Parking Advisory 10/14/24

Printable version

PAC Minutes 10-14-24 68 KB

Web version

PAC Minutes October 14^th, 2024

Members Present: John Rankin, John Cohn, Diane Mariano and Matt Buckley.   Chuck Gilroy absent.

6:00 p.m. Welcome. 

No guests at the beginning. No public comments at beginning. Chief Cambridge and Jin Feinson appeared later.

6:01 p.m. Additions or Deletions to Agenda. 

Diane suggested update on Johnnybrook Parking.

Also suggested to add to Chief Cambridge’s presentation the summer 2024 parking and enforcement statistics.

6:03 p.m. Johnny Brook parking. 

John C., Pete and Diane met with Kevin at Lafayette Highway Specialties. An estimate for plank rail fencing was presented by Diane.

Diane stated that the parking area is not a simple rectangle shape. 232 linear feet.  $6,960 total estimate.  8-foot sections.  John C.  questioned

whether the fence will accentuate the irregular shape.

Diane indicated she will ask Josh Arneson about the likelihood of the expense being doable. She also suggested that the matter be passed by  Chuck. 

6:12 p.m. Approval of September 9^th minutes.

Diane moved to approve. John R. seconded. Approved.

6:15 p.m. Richmond Land Trust Update.  Jim Feinson appeared online. 

Gillette Pond parking. The dam work is now completed, and water is now filling the reservoir.  The parking lot is completed.  The parking area is generous.  An anti-graffiti coating was applied to dam.  Access for pedestrian and boating access.  Dam height is 2-4 feet higher than previously.  . 

6:20 p.m. Chief Cambridge.  Hinesburg Police. 

          Focus of discussion was on Dugway Road and East Cochran Road.

          Last year, cars could not be towed fast enough. Egregious violations.

2024 not as many tickets, and not as many cars. Ultimate goal is for people to take the regulations more seriously.

Chief Cambridge stressed it’s important to change the fine. Timing of change?   Perhaps when the speeding ordinance is changed, and other matters.   Would like to take it to the Selectboard as soon as possible.

The fine should perhaps be as much as $220.   Needs to be steep to provide a full deterrent. Chief is convinced that enforcement results in prevention.

Residents can contact the Police directly regarding parking violations.

There is no formal system to coordinate Police and Constable. Chief usually finds out after the fact that the Constable has taken action.

Chief takes calls and emails from residents, but tries not to micromanage Dugway and East Cochran.

In general, adjustments need to be made to the Ordinance. But the biggest item is to increase the fines.

Richmond Land Trust has several private lots. Jim asked whether police can enforce issues on RLT lots.  Chief stated it is a unique scenario.  He can inform his team that RLT can be treated similarly to Town of Richmond property.

6:44 p.m. Back to Jim Feinson.

A discussion took place regarding further Gillette Pond parking. Jim was informed about the Bob Lowe property idea.   Diane indicated that Pete suggested wait a season or two.

Jim acknowledged that use will increase, but suggested a wait and see

approach.

Bombardier Meadow Preserve parking. At a recent RLT Board meeting, it was decided to revisit the parking issue in the Spring.  Jim indicated that the discussion with Chief Cambridge was helpful.  No plans to push ahead aggressively, however.  Just plan to revisit.  Jim stated the property is more attractive without parking.

John Rankin, who stated he was speaking privately, indicated that Town money used to purchase property, and therefore the Meadow shouldn’t be just a neighborhood park. It would be nice to have a place to launch paddlers.   Jim stressed that the Town money was not about increased public use.

Diane informed Jim that the bump-out area is useful for drop offs, etc.

Jim asked whether drop off use a concern? Diane stated that currently folks a very respectful, and park off the road.

John C. and Diana indicated that storms have changed the beach.

Jim’s personal opinion is that handicap access would be beneficial.

Beeken River Shore. The traditional entrance has been closed, as the

area is perpetually wet, muddy and dangerous.  

New Beeken Lot parking lot is down the down the road about 100-200 feet. Canoe access no longer as convenient, although there is potential for new canoe access.  Looking into the possibility.   The new Beeken lot will be roped off seasonally, with new seasonal signage.   The Town does plan to keep Overocker plowed.

John C. spoke briefly about adding Del Bianco preserve to the discussion. But not necessarily something for PAC to promote. 

John C. referenced the Recreational Parking Map on the Town website. Should RLT parking areas be added?  Diane suggested adding Gillette Pond, but not Del Bianco  Jim will take it to the Board.  RLT will do the additional work in that record.   

Huntington Gorge Parking. Jim stated there are no plans to create additional parking.    

A brief discussion took place regarding re-funding of steward, but nothing was determined.

Jim indicated some possible RLT addition may be in the works.

7:15 p.m. Future meeting.

Diane suggested not till January, and Duncan will be informed that the

meetings can come off.

Diane will also contact Lafayette.

Adjourn. 7:20 p.m.  Approved.