City of Somerville header
File #: 205236    Version: 1
Type: Communication Status: Placed on File
File created: 2/15/2018 In control: City Council
On agenda: 2/22/2018 Final action: 6/14/2018
Enactment date: 2/22/2018 Enactment #: 205236
Title: Director of Traffic and Parking responding to Items from the 2/8/18 meeting.

  Agenda Text

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Director of Traffic and Parking responding to Items from the 2/8/18 meeting.

 

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Official Text

To the Honorable Board:

 

In response to Agenda Item:

 

Agenda Item 205079                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the no parking restriction by the hydrant at 33 Hudson Street.

The above referenced location is on a defined Parking Control Officer’s route. All observed parking violations are issued citations.

 

Agenda Item 205080                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking stripe the entire street space by the curb at the hydrant at 33 Hudson Street to deter parking there.

Traffic and Parking does not stripe no parking spaces unless it is an extenuating circumstances. Traffic and Parking has reviewed this location and for the most part not observed any vehicles parking within 10’ of the fire hydrant. A Complaint Form has been filed for this location. A “Log” will be kept 24/7 for two weeks to determine if parking violation occur and if further actions are required.

 

Agenda Item 205082                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking install bright yellow YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS signs at the crosswalk by the Kennedy School on Elm Street.

Pedestrian Impact Recovery Systems (Yield To Pedestrians) has been installed on the curb line at the parking lot entrance to the Kennedy School on Elm Street. In the spring when Pedestrian Impact Recovery Systems are reinstalled at crosswalks throughout the City (these systems/signs interfere with snow and ice removal operations) a Pedestrian Impact Recovery System will be installed on Elm St at Cherry Street.

 

Agenda Item 205084                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking increase parking enforcement on Columbia Street.

The above referenced location is on a defined Parking Control Officer’s route. All observed parking violations are issued citations.

 

Agenda Item 205085                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking explain to this Board when and where the "48 Hour Parking Rule" is enforced, and why it is necessary.

The 48 hour rule was enacted for several reasons:

                     To ensure abandoned vehicles are not left on City streets.

                     Construction/utility work- contractors must post 48 hours in advance. If folks are parked in the spot when they post it provides them 48 hours to move.

                     Moving folks must post 48 hours in advance to reserve a spot for the moving van.

Typically we do not ticket residents unless there is a complaint or there is a posting. If a complaint is filed the Parking Control Officer virtually chalks the vehicle and observes it for 48 hours before ticketing.

When folks do not shovel out their vehicles after a snow storm they risk being ticketed. This is typically enforced beyond 48 hours.

 

Agenda Item 205088                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking enforce the No Parking zone at the corner of Belmont Street and Spring Hill Terrace.

The above referenced location is on a defined Parking Control Officer’s route. All observed parking violations are issued citations.

 

Agenda Item 205092                     

That the Traffic Commission consider creating a process for residents to comment on parking changes that affect their streets.

The Secretary for the Traffic Commission follows the procedures for the Open Meeting Laws as it pertains to all Traffic Commission Agenda Items. Traffic Commission Agendas are posted 48 hours in advance on the City’s Website (Meetings and Agendas) and by the City Clerk’s Office on the board at City Hall. In addition all Aldermen are notified of the each Traffic Commission agenda. This process allows for all residents to comment on parking changes that affect their streets.

 

Agenda Item 205095                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking repair the two leaning signs on Medford Street at the Winter Hill Community School.

The City of Somerville leaning sign at this location has been straightened. The MBTA has been notified that there sign at this location needs to be straightened.

 

Agenda Item 205102                     

That the Director of Traffic and Parking and the Chief of Police advise this Board on whether trucks are prohibited from Cameron Avenue, and if so, enforce that restriction.

There is a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Restriction approved by Mass DOT for Cameron Ave for all through Heavy Commercial Vehicles from the Cambridge city line to Holland St 2 ½ Ton Truck Restriction signs are located on Cameron Ave for both directions of travel.

 

Please contact me if I can be of further assistance.

 

Suzanne Rinfret

Director, Traffic and Parking