1. General Announcements, Public Comment Period, and Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee Announcements a. Commissioner Telesco mentioned that although the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee is not a commission, councilmember Pierzchala would act as its liaison to the Mayor and Council. It is also expected that councilmember Britton would be the liaison for the Traffic and Transportation Commission. 2. Review and Approve November 2009 Meeting Minutes a. The November 2009 meeting minutes were approved (6-0-1) with minor changes. Commissioner Klein abstained since he did not attend the November meeting. 3. Appointment of the New Chair a. A motion was approved unanimously to recommend Commissioner Telesco as the new chair for 2010.
b. Mr. Elshafei stated that he would forward this recommendation to the Clerk’s Office. The next day, Mr. Elshafei confirmed with the Clerk’s Office that the appointment of Mr. Nicholas Ferris - as the new commissioner filling the vacant seat - and Commissioner Telesco - as the new chair - would be announced (and approved) during the Mayor and Council session of January 11, 2010 4. Additional Items/Discussion a. Commissioner Oberg asked about how the funds for Pleasant Road would be used. Mr. Elshafei responded that as of this time, if the City were to receive this money, it would be used for transportation improvements in King Farm.
b. Commissioner Telesco asked about the survey for the Montgomery College fence. Mr. Elshafei checked after the meeting and found that the survey was complete but the results were not available at this time.
c. Commissioner Thomas thanked staff for the 4-way stop at the intersection of Mannakee and Montgomery College parking lot.
d. Chair Crane mentioned that she had observed excessive red-light running for the eastbound traffic on Shady Grove at Choke Cherry and this could be a good location for a red light camera. Staff forwarded this suggestion to Montgomery County.
e. Chair Crane asked if the speed indicator sign, posted by the police department, could be operational at nighttime. Staff checked with the police department and found that the sign works on solar power and includes a battery. The concern of leaving the sign at nighttime is that drivers could hit the unit, and they are not sure if the battery would last an entire nighttime period. 5. Staff Report and Updates (Weekly) a. Commissioner Klein asked about the Aries software. Mr. Elshafei explained that this software is utilized to communicate and monitor the city-maintained traffic signals. 6. Montgomery County Judicial Center Annex, New County Office Building and Garage a. Ms. Torma summarized the development application, including the current status of the application, the phasing of the development and the trip generation for the use.
b. The applicant provided an overview of the development, including the phasing of the development, the amount of parking being provided, information about their TDM program, mitigation measures, pedestrian circulation and the requested waiver from the bicycle standards. The applicant also stated that the current intersection conditions showed an acceptable Level of Service. They also stated that since their project would have an impact on the East Middle Lane/Park Road and MD 355 intersection they would have to mitigate half of the impact as required by the CTR.
c. The Commissioners questioned the applicant’s traffic counts and asked about the County police vehicles parking along S. Washington Street, where the construction workers would park, if the bus stops on their site would get “Next Bus” information, and to provide more information about the proposed pedestrian bridge. Staff stated that they had not reviewed the Transportation Report since it was received by Public Works staff on December 14th, 2009. Staff will provide feedback to the Commission after the review is complete. Regarding the police vehicles parking, the applicant stated that police officers were parking on S. Washington Street and going to the State Courthouse. The applicant further stated that since the State Courthouse is moving to the old Rockville Library site, the police vehicles would continue to park there. The applicant also stated that the construction workers would probably park in the Town Center garages. Lastly, the Commissioners discussed the proposed pedestrian bridge that would connect the New County Office Building to the existing above-grade garage, and they were in support of the bridge being implemented as soon as possible.
d. Chair Crane requested City Staff review the applicant’s Transportation Report and provide analysis prior to the Traffic and Transportation Commission making a motion. In addition, the Commission decided to move the next Commission meeting to January 19, 2010 in order for their motion be sent to the Planning Commission in a timely manner. The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 p.m. | 
