Parking Advisory 6/3/24

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PAC Minutes – June 3^rd, 2024

PAC members Diane Mariano, Matt Buckley, John Rankin, John Cohn and Chuck Gilroy were present.

Ian Bender present briefly as guest.

6:04 p.m. Meeting Convened.

There were no additions or deletions to the Agenda.

Ian asked about the status of the Dugway Road new signate. In response,

it was decided to move the Dugway Road update from Item #4 to the

beginning of the meeting.

Chuck indicated that the new signs are have arrived, and should be intalled

very soon. The installation of the Speed Humps delayed installation.

John R. wants to discuss No Parking Sign on Cochran. Item #3

6:10 p.m. PAC Reappointments. John Rankin and Chuck indicated they are

willing to serve for an additional term, and were reappointed.

Diane inquired as to whether the Committee need more organization, e.g. appointment of an official Chair. The consensus was that things are working

well currently, and no further organization is necessary at this time.

6:12 p.m. Johnnybrook Road Update. 

The parking spaces will not be available until August. The State of Vermont

contract includes Town of Richmond responsibility, and Josh Arneson has

requested appropriate rewrites. The contract needs to be voted on by the

Selectboard.  .

Once the Town acquires the spaces, there may be more receptivity to PAC

concerns, e.g, swale improvements, storm water runoff plan, improved fences, ropes, etc.

One concern is related to liability. What is definition of “damage” for liability purposes? The Town shouldn’t responsible for any damage beyond that which is strictly relating to the car park area.

A discussion took place, led by Diane, regarding possible additional parking space across road, near the telephone pole.  The property appears to be owned

by the Conant family. No further action was deemed necessary at this time .

Who owns the property? Use as a stopgap?

6:27 p.m.    Zoning Changes to Facilitate Recreational Parking.

At the May 13^th Selectboard meeting, the topic of zoning changes applicable to use at Volunteers Green came up. The question for PAC is whether there might be possible expansion to other recreational parking areas.

John R. indicated he spoke with Tyler Machia re: Conditional Use ap-

plications coming before the Development Board of Review. A Site Plan would be required.

The Ordinance requires that parking must located to rear of buildings, screened from view.   Across the road from Gillette Pond, buildings would

not be a concern, but the question remains whether screening would be a

strict requirement.

Effectively, no road shoulder parking in  Res-Ag. District in Richmond.

No language exists for recreational parking not directly associated with a park

or designated recreational use.  Tyler suggests this is problematic, and may

constitute a serious bar.

It was also noted that fill used for maintenance cannot be used for parking.

Chuck wondered whether the Town is looking into changes allowing parking in flood zones, i.e. the idea of a “net gain”.

In connection with the question of whether the Conditional Use regulations block shoulder parking, the idea was discussed of whether to invite a member

of the Development Review Board as a guest to a PAC meeting, e.g. David

Sunshine or Virginia Clarke.

Chuck indicated that Pete Gosselin is not at this time supportive of the idea. He would like a couple of seasons to pass before moving forward.

Matt volunteered to email David Sunshine regarding the language of 5.5 Conditions for Approval as pertains to parking being screened from view.

6:50  p.m. Repositioning No Parking Sign. Fog Lines.

Chuck has not yet received a response from Chief Cambridge regarding the legal definition of fog lines, re:  where “shoulder” begins. Knowing

precisely where the shoulder begins might free up more parking.

There is currently one bent yellow No Parking sign at the curb cut

apron area of the now-defunct Richmond Land Trust parking area.

Chuck indicated the need to have a conversation with Pete regarding moving the position of the sign.

Diane inquired about the efficacy of taking a no-longer-used No Parking sign from Dugway Road andand replacing the end No Parking sign.

Chuck proposed putting stake and ribbon at a suggested location.

Chuck will speak with Pete about moving/placing both signs.

Chuck will also discuss with Pete existing ropes restrict parking off of the traveled way.

7:12 p.m. Gillette Pond Construction Update. Work is just starting.  The parking issue was covered earlier in meeting.  Fill from construction not to be used.

7:14 p.m. Browns Court Selectboard Update.

PAC is waiting to hear from Browns Court as to whether PAC needs to be involved further.

7:15 p.m. Future Direction / Goals w/PAC

John Cohn indicated the desireability keep data, especially this summer, particularly as applied to Dugway Road, e.g. violations, towings, etc.

Diane speculated about to what extent parking should fall in Trails Committee and/or Recreation Committee.

Diane suggested bringing Josh into the discussion, and Matt suggested specifically coordinating the next PAC meeting with Josh. John Cohn -  suggested that topics / options be presented in advance to Josh for his view, it was determined that no specific preparation was necessary.

Chuck suggested we look at where parking is currently most underserved. For example, Bombardier meadow is underserved.

7:35 p.m. Minutes.   Minutes for May 14^th approved, with the direction

typos re: John Rankin’s name be corrected.  John Cohn moved for

approved, and Diane seconded.  

7:39 p.m. Next Meeting. Discussion of June 18^th, or perhaps the 17^th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Josh hopefully to be present.   

Meeting adjourned. 7:43 p.m.