HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-04-2023 Street Traffic Control Committee Meeting Minutes
STATE OF ALABAMA )(
:
COUNTY OF BALDWIN )(
The Street & Traffic Control Committee met at 9:30 a.m.,
Mayor’s Conference Room, 161 North Section Street,
Fairhope, Alabama 36532 on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Present were: Mayor Sherry Sullivan, Councilmember Corey Martin, Richard Johnson, Hunter
Simmons, and Chief Stephanie Hollinghead; Jennifer Olmstead took the minutes.
The meeting was called to order at 9:50 a.m.
Minutes from the June 6, 2023 meeting were approved as submitted on a motion by Richard
Johnson, seconded by Hunter Simmons; none opposed.
First on the agenda was a study follow-up for the intersection of Fairhope Avenue and
Ingleside Streets. Richard Johnson provided information from studies done in 2012 or 2013 by
Neal Shaffer. The board is in agreement that this intersection sees high volume of traffic.
Richard has asked for current low-cost options from Neal Shaffer and will present those findings
at the next meeting.
Richard Johnson stated that the previously approved project on Mershon St is still in queue
and will be completed as soon as they can get to it.
A petition for an additional speed calming device Summer Lake Street between the entrance
on Twin Beech Rd and the first speed calming device was presented. The committee reviewed
the petition and traffic study. Richard Johnson made a motion to place a third speed calming
device on Summer Lake Street; seconded by Hunter Simmons; none opposed.
The previously denied request for a 3-way stop or speed bumps at Summit Street and Nichols
Avenue was brought before the committee again. Rachel Cullen, 352 S Summit St, voiced her
concerns about the awkward intersection and would like a solution. The committee discussed the
intersection. Richard Johnson presented an idea for a traffic triangle which would redirect traffic
flow to right-turn only. Mayor Sullivan made a motion to change the intersection to right-turn
only using a safety island, seconded by Richard Johnson; none opposed.
A petition for speed calming devices to be installed on Salem Street between Scarlett Avenue
and Morphy avenue was brought to the committee. The committee discussed the traffic study and
petition, noting that this is not a through street and the median/mean speed is 20mph. The traffic
study did not warrant placement of speed bumps. Mayor Sullivan made a motion to deny the
request, seconded by Hunter Simmons; none opposed.
The committee discussed the lowering of the speed limit in the downtown area to 15mph.
Chief Hollinghead stated that enforcement of speed limits are difficult downtown. The
committee agreed reducing the speed limit to 15mph would be a good idea. The committee
discussed the area that the change would affect; the Central Business District. Richard Johnson
made a motion to lower the speed limit in the Central Business District to 15mph, seconded by
Hunter Simmons; none opposed.
The committee discussed renaming of streets for Jimmy Buffet or Winston Groom. The
committee discussed the historical significance of already named roads but thought it would be a
good option for any new roads. Mayor Sullivan made amotion to table the item and the
committee agreed.
Joann Brown, 64 S Ingleside St, came before the committee to ask about the removal of the
speed bump on South Ingleside. This item was sent to the City Council for approval of the
removal. The City Council had tabled the item. Councilmember Corey Martin provided
reasoning why the Council had tabled the item. Richard Johnson provided history to why the
Streets & Traffic Control Committee
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
Page - 2
speed calming device was originally placed. For the committee to re-hear this item, it would need
to be remanded from the City Council.
Richard Johnson provided the committee with information for the project to change Pine
Street to a one-way street. He will meet with the Parking Authority later this month to go over
the plans. There has been funding placed in the 2024 budget for this project for the paving,
sidewalks, drainage and one portion of the parking area.
Mayor Sullivan asked Richard Johnson for an update on the sidewalk on North Section Street
in front of Tamaras and Provisions. Richard Johnson stated they are still in negotiations with the
property owner for our request for easement.
Gary Gover, 300 Lincoln St, brought his concerns to the committee for the intersection of
Church Street and Morphy Avenue. He stated the visibility is impaired due to parking spaces
being right next to the intersection. The committee discussed options to make visibility better.
Mayor Sullivan would like for us to test glow in the dark paint for crosswalks in the
downtown area to gain higher visibility. The committee liked the idea. Richard Johnson said he
would research the product and test.
Also, Mayor Sullivan provided information from a recent visit to Tennessee. The area visited
had parking issues similar to Fairhope. They use land use agreements with private perimeter
parking lots to allow our shuttle to pick up in those areas. She also discussed setting up kiosks in
those lots to allow for revenue to be generated for those private properties. The committee was in
agreement that this shared-use parking would be beneficial.
Mayor Sullivan did state that Coastal Alabama is going to add 40 parking spaces on their
property which will be for their employee parking. This will alleviate some of the lack of parking
in that area.
There being no further business to discuss the meeting duly adjourned at 10:51 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by Natalie Fonseca Approved: 6/25/24