Traffic and Transportation Commission
Minutes

 Mayor and Council Chambers
Meeting No. 10-09
October 27, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
  

1.   General Announcements, Public Comment Period, and Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee Announcements

a.    Chair Crane welcomed Nick Ferris, a Commissioner applicant.  
b.    Mr. Ferris introduced himself and provided a summary of his work experience to the Commission.
c.    Chair Crane reviewed the agenda for the meeting and explained that each guest speaking on behalf of the permit parking agenda item would have three minutes for public comment.

2.   Commission Discussion about Montgomery College Pedestrian/Bicycle Access

a.    Ms. Kimball provided an update on the City’s involvement in negotiations regarding access on Princeton Place to and from Montgomery College. She explained that the city is acting in a facilitation role, working both with the College and Rockville residents. Ms. Kimball provided Commissioners with a handout that was given to community members outlining issues associated with the possible implementation of key card access gate at Princeton Place. Ms. Kimball also provided information about the controlled access gates at American University.
b.    Chair Crane stated the Traffic and Transportation Commission’s position is that pedestrian and bicycle access should be maintained to and through the Montgomery College Campus.
c.    In response to several questions from Commissioners, Ms. Kimball stated that there had been no consensus among parties about how to address access at Princeton Place, that resident opposition to student activity on Princeton Place is what causes the fence to be closed, that the City Police Chief has been involved in the negotiations, and that the City has been working to involve all stakeholders.  Ms. Kimball also said it was not clear whether the change in  administration at the college will impact negotiations.   
d.    Commissioner Oberg suggested several negotiation points that the City could pursue, including permitting decisions, security reviews and payment in lieu of taxes.

3.   Permit Parking Submission: Saddle Ridge Circle, 500 Block of Reserve Champion Drive, and 300 Block of Game Creek Drive – Staff Recommendation

a.    Ms. Torma summarized the resident permit parking request.  Ms. Torma stated that permit parking was not justified given that the majority of the time street parking is available along these roadways.  She explained that during the summer months, swimming pool visitors, which are mainly King Farm residents, park along Saddle Ridge Circle and the surrounding streets, however, this is only when the pool is operational.  Ms. Torma also explained that the pool also has a parking lot with 33 spaces.  Ms. Torma concluded that the staff does not recommend approval of the permit parking application.

4.  Permit Parking Submission: Saddle Ridge Circle, 500 Block of Reserve Champion Drive, and 300 Block of Game Creek Drive – Public Hearing

a.    Mr. Naideck gave public testimony in support of the permit parking application.
b.    Ms. Fries, Mr. and Mrs. Callahan, Mr. Wiltshire, and Mr. Green gave public testimony in opposition to the permit parking application.

5. Permit Parking Submission: Saddle Ridge Circle, 500 Block of Reserve Champion Drive, and 300 Block of Game Creek Drive – Commission Recommendation

a.    Commissioner Resnick moved to deny the permit parking application on the grounds that the purpose of permit parking is to address situations where commuters are parking in a neighborhood or where students from a school are using neighborhood streets for parking.  Commissioner Resnick further stated that the 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM time frame proposed in the permit parking application was too restrictive and that allowing permit parking in this location would only move parking issues to nearby streets.   The motion was seconded by Commissioner Thomas and then unanimously approved.

6. Review and Approve September 2009 Meeting Minutes

a.    The September 2009 minutes were approved with minor changes. 

7.  Staff Report and Updates (Weekly)

a.    Ms. Sanders provided the weekly report.
b.    Commissioner Levine stated that drivers are using an off-road route to access Fortune Terrace  and asked whether a road is proposed in this location.  Ms. Sanders said she would look into this issue and provide an update at the November meeting.
c.    There was a discussion about resident opposition to the Edmonston sidewalk link.  Ms. Sanders stated that the link was rated as high priority in the Sidewalk Prioritization Policy.  Commissioner Thomas and Commissioner Oberg recommended that a public hearing be held at an upcoming Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting where residents can provide testimony to the Commission regarding the sidewalk.
d.    Commissioner Thomas inquired about the status of repairs to the Edmonston Street bridge, whether stop signs can be installed at Campus Drive and Mannakee Street, and whether a stop bar can be moved back at MD 355 and Mannakee, when repairs would be complete at MD 355 and Halpine Road and that a sign was down at the intersection of Research Boulevard and Shady Grove Road.  Ms. Sanders corresponded with Commissioner Thomas over e-mail in response to these requests after technicians visited the sites to investigate the issues.
e.    Commissioner Oberg state that the Transportation Priorities letter from the City to the County should come before the Traffic and Transportation Commission.  Following the October 27 meeting, Ms. Sanders e-mailed the letter to the Commissioners for their comment.
f.    Commissioner Resnick reported that a traffic signal bulb was out at Tower Oaks and the I-270 ramp.  City technicians replaced the bulb.
g.    Commissioner Resnick put forth a motion to support City staff’s recommendation for the Kol Shalom developer to build a sidewalk adjacent to their site.  The motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

8.  Additional Items/Discussion, Including Dates for November and December 2009 meetings

a.    After discussion amongst Commissioners, it was determined that the November meeting would be held on November 17, 2009 and the December meeting would be held on December 15, 2009.  Chair Crane requested that Ms. Sanders send an e-mail to all Commissioners notifying them of the date changes.  Ms. Sanders sent this notification via e-mail to all Commissioners.
b.    Chair Crane welcomed Joseph Hansen, a Commissioner applicant.
c.    Mr. Hansen introduced himself and provided a summary of his work experience to the Commission.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.