Downtown Sidewalk Committee Minutes

Meeting date: 
Monday, January 8, 2024

City of Gardiner

Sidewalk Committee

January 8, 2024

10:00am

 

Members present - Melissa Lindley, Tamara Whitmore, Joel Greenwood (KVCOG) John Cameron, Dakota Hewlitt (MDOT), Dorothy Wasburne, Brian Keezer (Project Manager, MDOT) via phone call, Kelly Hare

Update on the survey from Brian Keezer, MDOT - 

Brian has the original survey that was ordered awhile back; however, it does not include Phase III (from the library to the first intersection). At this time, the consultant is not under contract, but this is in process, and they will be under contract before the next meeting. The plan is to have the consultant attend the next meeting and bring with them photos of similar projects they have worked on, and to include the Landscape architect as well to discuss eventual landscaping.  Brian reports that at this time he will hold off on ordering any additional survey until the consultant has a chance to review the current survey, but it is an option to add an additional request to the survey if needed. He will reach out to contracts to see where the contract stands for the consultant.

In regard to the crosswalk at the depot, extending the survey to this area adds more work, but this can be done through arial photos.

In regard to JM Arbor at 1 Brunswick Ave.  –  The corner of the sidewalk in front of the building that is existing brick will be added to this project.

Concerns about the 4-way intersection at Church and Water Streets

  1. Lighting
  2. Traffic going the wrong way down the one-way portion of Water St.
    1. Rethink placement of “No right turn” or “No left turn” sign to make it stand out more and allow it to be seen more clearly, possible overhead installation. Consider working with an engineer and/or sign crew to find something that works
    2. Should a traffic light be added to the intersection?

3. Pedestrian safety

4. Dakota Hewlitt and the Consultant will sit and observe the flow of the intersection to gain insight on flow.

Downtown businesses are concerned about pedestrian safety due to traffic not stopping at 4-way and going the wrong way down the one-way portion of Water Street.

Is there a proper channel for residents and businesses to voice their concerns on this matter? Dakota states concerns can share with DOT via his email.

Funding Opportunities:

  1. Brian and Dakota will meet to discuss the possibility of any unspent Cobbossee Trail funds that can be used on this project.
  2. FEMA funds  
  3. Pedestrian project funds
  4. Reallocation of funds

It is very likely that DOT will partner with the City during the design phase once funding has been figured out.

Things to think about while the street is torn up for construction:

  1. Utility connections:
    1. Conduit going into buildings needs to be wider for water lines for the sprinkler system.
    2. Contractor will need to coordinate with the building owner and water district on this (hole going into building is owner responsibility, water lines are the responsibility of the water district.

Crosswalks in the future

  1. Keep thinking about crosswalk locations, sidewalk ideas, changes to on street parking.
  2. The landscape architect who is on staff with MDOT is hoping the committee can provide some ideas that the city is looking for.

The meeting adjourned at 10:36 am.

Next meeting: February 12, 2024 at 10:00am.