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FREEPORT TRAFFIC & PARKING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES

February 27, 2007


PRESENT: Gary Profenno, Chair Andrew Manning
Gerald Schofield, Chief of Police Rodney Regier
Albert Presgraves, Town Engineer Rich DeGrandpre
Chris Parker Jim Gorman (arrived at 7:40)

The meeting was called to order at 7:36 a.m.


ITEM I: ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 16, 2007
MEETING

Motion (Schofield/ DeGrandpre) to accept the minutes of the January 16, 2007 meeting as printed. Approved 5-0; Mr. Parker abstained; Mr Gorman arrived after the vote.


ITEM II: DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR PROVIDING “RV PARKING” IN THE VILLAGE AFTER THE LL BEAN OUTLET STORE ON DEPOT STREET IS CLOSED

Mr. Profenno introduced the topic by noting that he and Mr. DeGrandpre met with Town staff and LL Bean representatives on February 8 for preliminary discussions on this issue. At that meeting, there was a general agreement that the Town’s snow dump site on the Snow Road would be a suitable location for RV parking, although some road and other improvements would be needed. For instance, Mr. Presgraves noted that a second entrance at the snow dump would allow a “drive-through” pattern of parking.

Mr. Regier asked about the number of spaces that are currently provided, and the number of spaces that were needed. The discussion indicated that there are typically no more than 20 RV vehicles at the current LL Bean lot, 10 are common. There is little usage beyond the Memorial Day to Columbus Day period. The snow dump lot could hold at least 10 vehicles, or up to 20 if they could park with two “in-line,” (so the second vehicle would need to back out of the space, instead of driving straight through and out.)

Mr. DeGrandpre thinks that if LL Bean helps with the cost of establishing an RV parking lot at the snow dump, then they should be given some parking “credits” for a reasonably equivalent number of standard parking spaces. The possibility of using the existing school parking lot south of the snow dump was discussed. Because there could be school activities that need this lot during the summer or at other times when RV parking is desired, it may be best not to designate this lot for RV parking, although it could be used for that purpose if the snow dump lot was full, and spaces were available.

There was a lot of discussion about signage and how vehicles should be directed to access the lot. Mr. Profenno noted that Justin’s Way was quite steep at Main Street and it may not be appropriate for RV vehicles. Mr. Presgraves noted that there is currently a “No RVs” sign at this location. Both Elm Street and Justin’s Way have some disadvantages for access. Mr. Regier thought that it would not be a problem if vehicles were all directed to Holbrook Street for access.

Mr. Profenno thought that vehicles should be directed to the lot with a one-way pattern, probably in on Holbrook, and out either by Justin’s Way or Elm Street. Mr. Manning noted that the one-way pattern for the lot would be more important at the lot itself, not necessarily on the access roads. There was a general agreement that access to the lot for RV parking should be signed to access at Holbrook Street, and then out either Holbrook or Elm Street, depending on the direction desired: north or south. Mr. Presgraves noted that there were many existing signs that will need to be changed to re-direct RVs to the new lot. New signage to direct pedestrians from the new lot to village stores must also be developed.

There was also discussion about the improvements needed in addition to signage. The snow dump lot itself would need improvements to the gravel surface, as well as a second entrance, and the Snow Dump Road would need pavement re-surfacing. Perhaps the school lot should be paved. Site lighting would be required. Mr. Regier suggested that operational costs should be estimated. He also noted that some ordinance changes may be required.

There was a general consensus that Mr. Presgraves should: develop a plan for using the snow dump for RV parking during the summer season, including a scope of the needed improvements and signage; consider whether the parking area could be enlarged; list ordinance changes (if any) that would be necessary; confirm there is no conflicting public utility use; work with the Town Planner on the parking credit issue; and work with the Town Manager and LL Bean on the estimated cost of the project.


ITEM III: OTHER BUSINESS

Mr. Profenno noted that the employee parking issue will need to be discussed at the next meeting, but that it could wait until then.


ITEM IV: ADJOURNMENT

Motion (DeGrandpre/ Gorman) to adjourn the meeting until Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at 7:30 a.m. Approved unanimously.