1. Announcements and Public Comment Period a. Commissioner Martin updated the Commission on the Mount Vernon Place abandonment public hearing that he attended. 2. Report from the September 21st Commission Chair Meeting with Mayor and Council - Chair Crane a. Chair Crane summarized her report to the Mayor and Council during the Commission Chair Meeting on 9/21/09.
b. Chair Crane mentioned that there was a question from a councilmember during the meeting regarding the planned construction of a sidewalk on Edmonston Drive. There was consensus among the Commissioners that the sidewalk was included as a priority in the Sidewalk Prioritization Policy because the sidewalk is needed. 3. Commission Discussion about Montgomery College Pedestrian/Bicycle Access a. Commissioner Oberg introduced the topic, noting that the College has a new administrator and that there may be an opportunity for renewed dialogue regarding pedestrian/bicycle access between the City and the College.
b. There was consensus among Commissioners that the City Manager or his representative be invited to the October Commission meeting to discuss pedestrian/bicycle access at Montgomery College and that the City Police Chief be involved in the College’s security plans. Commissioner Oberg volunteered to draft a memo inviting the City Manager or his representative to the next meeting. The memo was provided to the City Manager on 10/6/09 and there will representation from the City Manager’s office during the October Commission meeting. 4. Pedestrian Push Buttons a. Commissioner Oberg introduced the topic, requesting that push buttons should only be installed at intersections if they stop traffic or provide additional time for pedestrians to cross. Mr. Elshafei has exchanged emails with Commissioner Oberg to follow-up on this subject.
b. Ms. Sanders updated the Commission on the City’s steps to install Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at all signalized intersections in the City where push buttons will vibrate to assist the disabled in crossing the street, as well as contain braille to indicate the leg that pedestrians will be crossing. She indicated that countdown walk signals can appear without pressing the button, however, the button is an important feature in directing the disabled across the roadway. She also noted that the Maryland State Highway Administration plans to install APS at SHA intersections in the city within the next few years. Commissioners inquired whether there is APS technology that exists without a push button. To maintain consistency for users and provide safer crossings, as well as satisfy Maryland ADA Standards, the City will install APS with push buttons. 5. Commission Procedures from Boards and Commissions Workgroup - Staff Report a. Ms. Sanders updated the Commission on the Procedures from the Boards and Commissions Workgroup. 6. Meeting End Time for T&T Commission Meetings a. There was a discussion of how to keep meetings on schedule and end closer to the designated meeting end time. 7. Review and Approve August 2009 Meeting Minutes a. The August 2009 meeting minutes were approved with minor changes. 8. Staff Report and Updates (Weekly) a. Ms. Sanders provided the weekly report. 9. Additional Items/Discussion a. Commissioner Klein requested information about the Gaithersburg West Master Plan and the City’s position on the plan. The City’s recommendation and information about the project was provided to Commissioners on 9/30/09.
b. Commissioner Oberg requested more information about the Corridor Cities Transitway, as well as the staff recommendation regarding this project, prior to the October 26th Mayor and Council presentation. Staff’s recommendation and information about the project was provided to Commissioners on 9/30/09. The Mayor and Council agenda sheet for this item: http://rockmail.rockvillemd.gov/clerk/egenda.nsf/d5c6a20307650f4a852572f9004d38b8/99183379fed32c94852576250055ec21!OpenDocument
c. Commissioner Thomas inquired whether the Great Wall Supermarket development would come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission. Development Review staff confirmed that this applicant would come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. | 
