Date: October 1, 2007

Time: 7:00 PM

Place: Town Hall

Present: Selectmen Jerry Greene, Richard Rockwood and Daniel Donovan, III, Road Agent Steve Elliott and Police Chief Hautanen

The public meeting was called to discuss the handicap parking placement, the parking lines and the issue of parking in front of businesses. The Board wanted to hear comments and suggestions from store owners before they make their final decisions. Road Agent Steve Elliott suggested that the handicap parking spaces be placed with one being by the post office, one between the Melting Pot and the town office and the third from C & S to the area of the theater entrance. Most people were agreeable to this placement except the owner of C & S because she is afraid that the handicap parking space would take away parking in front of her restaurant. Dennis Markaverich questioned the origin of the crosswalk and asked if it was still necessary. It was agreed that it is needed for the safety of pedestrians on Main Street.

The next issue to be discussed was the time of parking allowed. Discussion was initiated by the owners of C & S concerning the placement of the reserved parking for their customers. She was under the impression that the Board of Selectmen had given them the signs and the permission to use them. Chairman Greene did not agree and stated that the Board had informed them that if they did put up the signs they would not have the power to enforce them.

After a long discussion on the length of parking and the placement of limited amount of time signs, Selectman Greene suggested: 15 minute or 30 minute parking signs be placed between the two handicap designated parking spots, which would give 4 spaces. The remaining parking spots will be designated for two hour parking during the day, except on Sunday. The signs would designate the times when the two hour limit would be in effect.

Many people expressed their concern of the parking spaces that were lost by the construction of the sidewalks and also the purchase of lot 48 by the Main Street Association. Mr. Rockwood asked if it would be possible for the town to purchase the lot. Tracy stated that she would have to ask the Main Street Association. She also stated that when it lot was purchased for the purpose of becoming a park, the town lost the right to use it as a parking lot. Mr. Greene stated that 6 spots were lost in the sidewalk construction.

The Board suggested alternative parking areas such as the lot by Procter Insurance, the lot at the library and the police station parking lot. It was stated that the parking lot at the police station is very dark and needs additional lighting. The Board will look into more lighting.

The issue of two landlords on Main Street that have used the lot 48 parking facility for years was discussed. After a few suggestions were made, the Board agreed that they would try to work out something and that some sort of permit parking for a yearly fee in a town lot could be looked into. It was noted that there is presently no overnight parking in town parking lots and on the street during the winter months.

Another issue was that store owners are eliminating public parking by parking their own vehicles during the day. It was suggested that owners use other parking lots for themselves and employees.

Enforcement of parking signs was also discussed and will be addressed.

The fact that there were three traffic studies done by NRPC was also discussed. The studies were done when it was thought to be the busiest time on Main Street. The studies showed that only 80% of the parking spaces were used. Mr. Markaverich questioned the validity of these studies.

Respectfully Submitted;

Peggy Arn, Recording Secretary