NAC 6 Minutes 8/1/05

 

Present: Sara McGill, Officer , Myself, Joanne Ivancic, Trish Cunningham.  Update on traffic calming.  Q: do we need to make a request for traffic calming money in the budget?

 

No particular update available.  No money in the budget for this session, might be some next, but looks very likely for the next budget.

 

Request for a block party on Biggs from a neighbor.

 

Request for grass cutting of the section on Rt 15 where the guard rail has been filled in.  Only one code enforcement officer is currently available.

 

NAC 6 Minutes 10/03/05 

 

Present: Paul Dienes, Katherine Jones, Randy McClement, Scott Woosley, Dave Lufkin, Sara McGill, Trish Cunningham, Rob VanAtta, Chris Devine, Anis Tannir, Lisa and Randy Grove, Robert and Bonnie Duggan, Gerald H. Smith, Debra DePaul David Koontz, Cpl Greg Scottsdale, Mark Dole, Jim Norris.

 

1.   Fort Detrick public address system: got email about efforts to make changes.  Worked on it on 9/30/05, incorrect map was one part of the problem, turning up and down speakers other than what they thought.  Turned tower way down, once they figured out where it was.  Looking to change from taps etc. to illuminating the colors all weekend.  Call these guys: 301-619-2018 or 3324 for Scott Woosley.  There have been changes, buildings like PX removed leaves bigger sound.  They are still working on the issue to reduce the sound more, make it most effective for all purposes.  Siren is not negotiable, but sound system is.  Bugles: used as base commander sees fit, not so much now because of system’s limitations.  Once they figure out when it suits their need,

 

Shutting down 7th St. Oct. 14, 2005 for 1 week.  Only decal traffic from now on at 7th Street.  Should keep traffic down on 7th.

 

They do announce tests of siren system a couple of days ahead, did not do that this last Friday.

 

2.   Cpl Scottsdale came to report that we have new contact people because of staff changes.  Our new contacts are Sgt. and Cpl Bourke. 

 

Paul raised traffic speed increase from out by Detrick to highway, feels the speed have increased dramatically.  Cpl would put a look out on it.

 

Over by Elm St. Dave suggests 4 way at 5th and Elm – no stops, failing to make turn correctly, using 300 block of 5th as a race track, Bentz to Elm and Elm to Bentz early a.m.  

 

School has gotten more organized on traffic.

 

Noise ordinance for cars: cannot operate car with louder exhaust system than originally manufactured $55 – must be on road for charge; if radio can be heard 50 ft from car, $50 fine.  May have just changed to a bit higher fine. 

 

Significant speeding on Military Road.  606 Military agreed to allow concealment at their drive.

 

Seeking speed sign return to Military Road, he will check on that.

 

Some gang activity, but they feel they have a hold on it. 

 

Some drug activity is spilling out into neighborhoods due to cell phones, changed the business.

 

Report graffiti.  They will make sure it gets removed.

 

  1. Traffic calming: Anis Tannir, Traffic Engineer.  Took measurements, speed counts.  Solution would be traffic calming.  Speed humps every 350 feet slows people for each hump to the speed limit of 25 mph.  Roundabouts (circles) work as well, but we don’t have room for any of these in our intersections.  3 1/2 “ high humps.  14’ long.  Statistically, nationwide, speed humps reduce speed 5-12 mph.  Reduction in cut through traffic 25-35%.  On 14th St had 49% reduction in cut through traffic.  5 humps on Biggs.  He needs agreement from residents.  They got approval for the project last week.  Need a consensus plan = 70% of residents signing a petition, Mr. Tannir picked the process and figure.  Once it goes in, must stay for 3 years before they will remove it.  Petition needs to go around the neighborhood.  Made of asphalt.  Hired contractor last year, charged a lot.  If the city installs the humps it costs the city 55% of what we would have to pay the contractor.  City public works will be doing it themselves to save money.  He has the petition.  Signs will be installed: Traffic Calming in effect.  For one year “There is a hump.”  Then remove sign.  Pavement marking before and after each hump, permanent, so do not need to clutter with signage. 

 

At first we will hear some increased noise, over time it will really calm down.

 

            Asked for removal of double line from Wilson.

 

After installation, they will run a data test to see if there has been some reduction.

 

Next step: Petitions.  Then get Public Works on it.  But Weather is another issue.

 

Military Road is not part of the plan.  So then Military becomes the through street, and traffic moves to there.  We asked for speed study, he will and to get with the lawyer and get advice.  He will get us the count. 

 

Total number of houses: for entire neighborhood, not just street by street.

 

Military – Duggans

Biggs – Trish and Debra

Shley – Jim Norris

Wilson – Paul Dienes

Grant – KJJ

Lee – Dan Beins