City of Biddeford, Maine

Operations/Capital Projects Committee Meeting

Thursday, June 12, 2008 @ 6:30 PM

1.  Roll Call: Chair Councilor Rick Laverriere called the meeting to order @ 6:50 PM. Present were: Councilor Clement Fleurent, Councilor Bob Mills, Member Valerie Pelletier, and Member Tom Kircher. Staff member, Police Chief Roger Beaupre was also present.

2.  Acceptance of Minutes: May 8, 2008: Councilor Bob Mills made a motion to accept the minutes as printed. Councilor Clement Fleurent seconded. Vote: Unanimous.

3.  Discussion/Review: Ch 42, Motor Vehicles & Traffic – Sec 62, Identification and use of municipal parking lots – City Hall Parking Lot: Police Chief Roger Beaupre briefed the committee on the proposed amendment for this section. After discussion, the committee suggested to designate spots for City of Biddeford vehicles, designate spots for citizens in the City Hall parking lot to conduct City business and to designate two spots on Main Street in front of City Hall for ½ hour parking.

Councilor Bob Mills made a motion to table. Member Valerie Pelletier seconded. Vote: Unanimous.

4.  Review of Cathedral Oaks Traffic Study: Police Chief Roger Beaupre briefed the committee on the Cathedral Oaks traffic study and the four-way stop currently at Cathedral Oaks Drive, Alexander Drive, and Indian Ridge Drive. The four-way stop was placed after a unanimous vote by the City Council on March 6, 2007. Chief Roger Beaupre has received several complaints suggesting their removal; which determined that a traffic study needed to be initiated. The Biddeford Police Department surveyed the development to get their opinions. The survey was just about a 50/50 split in-favor or against the removal of the stop signs.

*Thatcher Brook resident, Ralph Croteau was present and stated that he is in-favor of the removal.

Councilor Bob Mills made a motion to repeal the two (2) stop signs at Cathedral Oaks Drive. Councilor Clement Fleurent seconded. Vote: 3/2 with Councilor Rick Laverriere and Member Tom Kircher in opposition. Motion carries.

5.  Discussion: Removal of Traffic Lights at Spruce & Elm Streets: There has been discussion about potentially having a set of lights put up at the Main/Lincoln/Adams Street intersection. Chief Roger Beaupre recommends the lights at Spruce and Elm Street stay there until the traffic study on Main Street is conducted. If the State gives the OK to have traffic lights on Main then the lights at Spruce/Elm will be used at the Main/Lincoln/Adams Street intersection to save money.

6.  Discussion: Removal of Traffic Lights at Lower Main Street: No discussion took place as Chief Roger Beaupre suggested that the lights be left alone for now and the committee agreed.

7.  Other Business: Chair Councilor Rick Laverriere read to the public the pre construction notes for the annual LaKermesse Festival, which is being held from June 26th – June 29th.

Councilor Bob Mills questioned the traffic study that is to take place on Wentworth and Green Streets. Chief Roger Beaupre stated that it has been post-pone because a study needed to be done on Alfred Street prior to the construction work being done. Councilor Bob Mills also stated that a crosswalk should be painted at the Hill and Main Street intersection (near Books Revisited). Chief Roger Beaupre will contact Public Works Director, Guy Casavant, and see that this is done.

8.  Adjourn: Councilor Bob Mills made a motion to adjourn at 8:10 p.m. Member Valerie Pelletier seconded. Vote: Unanimous.