I. CALL TO ORDER:

Members Present:

City Councilor Alex Hanson, Chairman Herb Bunnell, Member John Burke, Public Works Dept. Ralph DiBernardo, Member

Fire Chief Rick Plummer Ted Gray, Member

Deputy Police Chief Mike Magnant, Police Dept. Patrick Harrigan, Member

Ronald Cypher, Member

1. Winchester Street – Speeding Concerns – Alex Hanson referred to resident letter that thanked the Committee for Speed Limit and Slow Children Playing signs. The resident is concerned that people are routinely speeding on Winchester Street.

MOTION made by Chief Plummer to refer this matter to the Police Department. Seconded by Ted Gray. Motion Passed.

2. Bartlett Street Traffic & Safety Concerns – Alex Hanson stated that speeds have been a concern here in the past. He suggested that the Police Department’s STEP Program be used in the coming weeks.

MOTION made by Ted Gray to refer this matter to the Police Department for enforcement. Seconded by Patrick Harrigan. Motion Passed.

3. Route 1/Dunkin Donuts Driveway – Request for Traffic Signal – John Burke stated that it is NHDOT’s decision whether or not to install a signal on U.S. Route 1. Alex Hanson suggested that if NHDOT finds that warrants are not met for a traffic signal, the Committee consider installing a "no left turn" condition - perhaps using a pork chop island. Alex asked John Burke for a report back once NHDOT completes its review.

5. NEW BUSINESS:

1. Gosling Meadows Sign Requests – Portsmouth Housing Authority - Alex Hanson reported that the Committee met with the Housing Authority staff onsite regarding the need for some NO PARKING signs. He stated that the Housing Authority will decide whether a crosswalk is needed on Winsor Road. He added that NO PARKING signs are needed on the east side of Winsor Road and on the west side 40 feet back from the corner so that school buses can get around the corner.

MOTION made by Ralph DiBernardo to post NO PARKING signs on the east side of Winsor Road and a NO PARKING HERE-TO-CORNER sign on the west side. Seconded by Ted Gray. Motion passed.

2. Loud Exhaust Sign Request – Portsmouth Police Department referral – Deputy Police Chief Michael Magnant received a request from the Police Commission to bring to the Traffic & Safety Committee for discussion the possibility of placing signs in the residential and downtown areas basically saying "loud exhaust-strictly enforced", City Ordinance 7.0034. Alex Hanson asked John Burke if it would be appropriate to put signage at the entrances to the City (Rte 1, Rte 33, Market Street, etc.). This way, no one can say that they were not served notice before being stopped. Deputy Chief Magnant will get a prototype and contact John Burke as to the sign text.

MOTION made by Fire Chief Plummer to refer the manufacture and posting of the Loud Exhaust Warning signs to Deputy Police Chief Magnant and John Burke with direction that they should be posted at the entrances to the City. Seconded by Patrick Harrigan. Motion passed.

3. Proposed Truck Loading Zone – State St./Pleasant St. & Congress St. @ Vaughan Walking Mall - Deputy Police Chief Magnant reported the need to increase the supply of loading and unloading zones for trucks. It is proposed to create a truck loading zone on State Street north of its intersection with Pleasant Street adjacent to the Rusty Hammer Restaurant and opposite Marple & James. This is where delivery trucks routinely double park. The time restriction would be 15 minutes. Deputy Police Chief Magnant stated that a second area on Congress St. needs a truck loading zone just west of Fleet Street.

1. Tucker’s Cove – Chuck Drew, resident of Tucker’s Cove is concerned that there is a tremendous amount of fast moving traffic using the newly opened roadway. Many people are using it as a cut-through to avoid the Foy’s Corner intersection. He would like a stop sign posted at Odiorne and Gosport Road, child safety signs on both sides of Sagamore and Elwyn Roads as well as speed limit signs. Alex Hanson stated that they would go ahead with the 20 MPH speed limit signs and "Slow children playing" signs but the stop sign request would be placed on the on-site for the next meeting. Alex Hanson stated that the neighbor’s petition would be entered into the record.