An ordinance change that would make it easier for police to ticket vehicles parked illegally was put on hold by the Town Council until the police chief can weigh in.
And a move to add stop signs and a speed table on Willow Drive was postponed at the May 26 Town Council meeting until after a June 30 public workshop on local traffic issues, including those in Agamenticus Estates.
Changes in parking regulations had been proposed by former town manager Tim Pellerin, according to Interim Town Manager Jennifer Janelle. The ordinance change stems from concerns voiced by Paul Street residents about parking on either side of the street, Janelle said.
“Changing the language slightly will make [the regulations] clearer to understand and not leave it open to interpretation,” she said.
“It was my understanding that the ordinance change is being made to make that regulation more enforceable by the police,” said council Vice Chair Mallory Cook.
“This is especially dangerous in the late afternoon,” noted council Chair John James. “If an emergency vehicle had to come through, they wouldn’t be able to get down Paul Street.”
Councilors agreed to get feedback on the proposed ordinance change from Police Chief David Ruger at the June 23 council meeting before any change is made.
In another issue related to traffic, the council held a public hearing about the possibility of installing two stop signs and a speed table at the intersection of Buttonwood Road and Willow Drive, the entrance road to Agamenticus Estates. Similar to a speed bump, speed tables are used to slow down vehicle traffic.
During the council meeting, Bonnie Kilgour of Hickory Lane proposed a solar-powered crosswalk be installed instead, suggesting the typical speed bump does not have sufficient clearance for SUVs.
Other residents expressed hesitation about stop signs, indicating they promote sudden stops that could lead to motor vehicle accidents.
Several residents said traffic in that area needs to slow down, especially during and after softball and baseball games at the athletic fields along Willow Drive. Councilor Cook agreed vehicles there are traveling too fast and threaten pedestrian safety. She doubts, however, that “the speed table and stop signs are the solution.”
Councilor Paul Schumacher noted motor vehicle traffic is a “townwide issue in terms of dealing with traffic calming and speed.”
