CITY OF WORCESTER | Traffic and Parking Committee Meeting | Wednesday, January 20, 2021 | Esther Howland (South) Chamber | Convened: 4:00 P.M. | Adjourned: 5:59 P.M. |
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Mayor
Joseph M. Petty | 
www.worcesterma.gov |
Clerk of the City Council
Nikolin Vangjeli | Committee Members | | Chairperson Donna M Colorio | | Vice Chairperson Sean M Rose | | Councilor Morris A Bergman |
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City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts | |
| Present Were: | Chairperson Councilor Donna M Colorio
Vice Chairperson Councilor Sean M Rose
Councilor Morris A Bergman | | | | | Also: | DPWP Director of Engineering Mark Elbag
WPD Lieutenant Timothy Walsh
Deputy City Clerk Stephen A.J. Pottle, clerk
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| 1. | Approval of the Minutes | |
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| | | 1a. | Order - That the City Council Standing Committee of Traffic and Parking hereby approves the minutes of the Traffic and Parking Committee meeting of December 16, 2020. | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays. | |
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| | | 2a. | In order to ensure the continuation of active public engagement, the City of Worcester will now use a phone conference line for members of the public to participate in all public meetings. To participate during the public participation phase of City Council, you may call the direct line indicated: Levi Lincoln Chamber - 415-655-0001 (Access Code: 180 761 9441) or enter the below URL into your web browser. If you would like to raise your hand when in the meeting as a call-in user during public participation you may dial *3.
https://cow.webex.com/cow/onstage/g.php?MTID=e10f22cc130e50747555282c6877abe41 | Attachments |
| 3. | Handicap Parking Petitions | |
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| | | 3a. | Beth-Ann Alexander request handicap parking space be installed in front of 55 Plantation St.
# 9e CC December 15, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Griselda Martinez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Jose Alvarez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
3. Desiree Martinez, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided no recommendation, as there is an existing handicap parking space in the area, and a study needs to be done to determine whether a second handicap parking space is necessary.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the resident of the petitioner relative to the requested handicap parking space location with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose and Councilor Bergman, who both agreed more information needs to be collected.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 3b. | Brenda Nichols request removal of handicap parking space in front of 32 Newbury St.
# 9f CC December 15, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approve on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 4. | Resident Permit Parking Items | |
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| | | 4a. | Winifred Octave request installation of resident permit parking on the odd side of Northampton St. between Westminster St. and Windsor St.
# 8g CC November 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Winnifred Octave, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as no institutional impact in the area was determined.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the street parking study, parking overflow from hospital visitors, and the amount of parking spots on the street with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the parking issues on the street with the Petitioner.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the possibility to do a resident permit parking pilot program for the area.
Chairperson Council Colorio then discussed the possibility to set hours limitation for the resident permit parking with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed collaboration between DPW and the Petitioner to conduct parking study in the area and determine the appropriate hours for the resident permit parking program.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 4b. | Bryan Yepez et al. request installation of resident permit parking on Hillside St.
# 8h CC September 22, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Kevin Yepez, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
2. Lena Ho, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Bryan Yepez, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
4. Alissa Yepez, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
5. Karen Hamilton, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
6. Nick Joyce, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the parking issues on Hillside St. with Speaker #6,
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is no institutional effect on the parking.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the impact of resident permit parking with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the DPW recommendation with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the change in parking situation with the paid parking lot in the area, the time hours when parking problems occur, and the owner of the paid parking lot with Speaker #6.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed whether observational study has been made at the area with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed communication with the owner of the paid parking lot to explore the possibility of allowing residents to park in the lot in the afterhours.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who concurred with Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 4c. | Michael Carroll and Ann Marie Mong request the parking meters in front of 237 Park Ave. be removed, with resident permit parking be installed in its place.
# 10c CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who discussed public participation relative to the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as it is a business zone.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 4d. | Caroline Repetti request resident permit parking on the corner of Dominion Rd. and Plantation St. be extended to include 388 Plantation St.
# 10d CC September 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the Deputy City Clerk, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5a. | Councilor Donna M. Colorio on behalf of Dorrie Maynard request installation of “No Parking Here to Driveway” signage on both sides of the driveway at 58 Fruit St.
# 10c CC December 1, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Douglas Haddad, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to item #5a
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed the parking issues and the impact of a traffic sign on deterring people from parking in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the impact of traffic signs on drivers’ behavior.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who concurred with Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided a suggestion to send the Parking Control Officer to monitor the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report estimating the costs of making "No Parking Here to Driveway" signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide traffic enforcement for on-street parking in the vicinity of 58 Fruit St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report estimating the costs of making "No Parking Here to Driveway" signage. | | | | Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide traffic enforcement for on-street parking in the vicinity of 58 Fruit St. | |
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| | | 5b. | Peter Bilzerian et. al requested No Parking Anytime sign be installed on Ormond St next to Elm Park Community School.
# 10d CC December 1, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Lucas Donahue, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is existing no parking ordinance for the area, and work order will be put in for the signs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether there is a process to inform DPW to get the signs install with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 5c. | Thomas Xhupi request a "No Parking from Here to Corner" sign be installed on Merrick St. at the intersection with Pleasant St. on the side of Cool-Licks Ice Cream (325 Pleasant St.) building next to the "30 Minute Parking" sign.
# 8b CC November 24, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Thomas Xhupi, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is a blanket ordinance for no parking within 20 feet of a crosswalk, and enforcement if problems arise.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide parking enforcement in the vicinity of 325 Pleasant St.
Chairperson Councilor moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request the Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide parking enforcement in the vicinity of 325 Pleasant St. | |
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| | | 5d. | Jodi Contonio request installation of a "No Parking from Here to Corner" sign on Willow St. at the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St.
# 8c CC November 17, 2020
In Committee December 16, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Daniel Craig, Worcerster resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation file, as there is a blanket ordinance.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed public participation relative to the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who discussed monitoring of the area by the Parking Control Officers.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide parking enforcement in the vicinity of the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide parking enforcement in the vicinity of the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St. | |
| 6. | Traffic Mirror Petitions | |
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| | | 6a. | Jodi Contonio request installation of a traffic mirror on Willow St. at the intersection of Willow St. and Lovell St.
# 8b CC November 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as traffic mirrors provide a false sense of security, can be deceiving and can pose more of a danger for the user.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed previously installed traffic mirrors in public ways in the City with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide report concerning history of traffic mirrors being installed in the city, with information relative to the criteria of why each traffic mirror were approved.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioner of Public Works and Parks provide City Council with a report concerning the history of traffic mirrors being installed in the city, with information relative to the criteria of why each traffic mirror was approved. | |
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| | | 7a. | Paul and Marcia Hansen request installation of a "Not A Truck Route" sign at the entrance of Cobblestone Ln at Garrison Ave., in the vicinity of 56 Garrison Ave.
# 9a CC December 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:.
1. Meryl Jacobson, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
2. Paul Hansen, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
3. Les Majecki, Worcester resident, spoke in opposition to the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the area is part of a private development, and the City does not have the purview to limit truck traffic in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 8a. | Ben Wrubel et al. request installation of children advisory signage and 20 mph speed limit signage on Tampa St.
# 7i CC September 29, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Ben Wrubel, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation file, as the children advisory signage is not a standard sign in accordance with MUTCD standard and offers a false sense of security, and the speed limit signage is only cautionary and is ineffective.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed public participation with the Petitioner with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the Speaker #1, who discussed the needs for the children advisory signage and speed limit signage in the area with Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the WPD Lieutenant, who discussed traffic issue in the area and the impact of the traffic advisory signs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 9. | Crosswalk and Lighted Crosswalk System Petitions | |
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| | | 9a. | Councilor Sean M. Rose request installation of a flashing crosswalk at the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.
# 8d CC November 17, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the intersection is stop-controlled.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed the recommendation, and whether the stop signs are more effective than flashing crosswalk with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the challenges concerning the stop signs being placed on top of the hill for vehicle operators.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed approach signage be installed for the area with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering and Councilor Rose.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized WPD Lieutenant, who discussed WPD enforcement in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio brought forth the two following Chairman’s Orders: 1) Request City Manager request Commissioners of Public Works and Parks review signage and repaint crosswalks in the area of the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr. and, 2) Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement in the area of the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | | | | | | | | Chairman's Orders | | | | Request City Manager request Commissioners of Public Works and Parks review signage and repaint crosswalks in the area of the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr. | | | | Request City Manager request Police Chief provide traffic enforcement in the area of the intersection of Country Club Blvd. and Pleasant Valley Dr. | |
| 10. | Traffic Control Signal Petitions | |
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| | | 10a. | David Trabucco of the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) request the right lane on Main St. approaching Madison St. from Ionic Ave. be made a "Right Turn Only, Except for Buses" lane.
# 9b CC December 8, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to approve.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 10b. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Joseph Toloczko request the traffic control signal at the end of Trinity Ave at Lincoln St. be reviewed, as when the light turns green only one car can get through the intersection safely.
# 8i CC October 27, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Joseph Toloczko, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as DPW has identified and will correct the issue concerning the traffic control signal.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio discussed the recommendation with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering. Chairperson Councilor Colorio then discussed communication with DPW and the process to follow-up on the item with Councilor Bergman.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 11a. | Councilor Candy Mero-Carlson on behalf of Joseph Toloczko request reinstallation of a stop sign coming down Green Hill Ave. at the intersection at Colby Ave.
# 8h CC October 27, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Joseph Toloczko, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as there is a work order in the system to install the stop sign.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 11b. | Phil Cournoyer et. al. request installation of a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Victor Ave. and Abington St.
# 10g CC September 8, 2020
In Committee October 14, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as Abington St. is a private street and therefore does not meet warrants for a stop sign.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed previous Chairman’s Orders for legal opinions concerning four-way stop signs.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 11c. | Kristen Morgan request installation of a stop sign at the intersection of Onset St. and Pine Hill Rd.
# 7x CC August 11, 2020
In Committee October 14, 2020 - Held
| Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as the location does not meet warrants for a stop sign.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed public participation by the Petitioner with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
| 12. | Traffic Sign Petitions | |
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| | | 12a. | Suzanne Kerbs request a yield sign be installed on Lenox St. at the intersection with Beeching St.
# 8e CC September 22, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following Speakers:
1. Suzanne Kerbs, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to hold, as more investigation in the area needs to be done.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the challenges concerning installation of a yield sign in the area with the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed the traffic issues in the area.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.
Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 12b. | Wendy Chase request installation of speed limit signage in the vicinity of Royal Rd. and Heard St. intersection.
# 7z CC August 11, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as speed limit signage is ineffective and unenforceable.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who discussed whether the Petitioner has called in with the Deputy City Clerk.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for a roll call vote to accept the recommendation.
Recommend File on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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| | | 12c. | Tiphanie Gelinas request installation of turkey crossing sign in the vicinity of 492 Massasoit Rd.
# 8d CC October 6, 2020 | Attachments | | | | | | | Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the following speakers:
1. Tiphanie Gelinas, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of the item
Chairperson Councilor Colorio read the item and recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who provided the recommendation to file, as this is not standard MUTCD signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Bergman, who spoke concerning the item.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized Councilor Rose, who discussed the impact of animal advisory signage.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio recognized the DPWP Director of Traffic Engineering, who discussed the design for the sign.
Chairperson Councilor Colorio moved for roll call vote to recommend the item be approved.
Recommend Approval on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays | |
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