I'm going to call the order. Um This is being recorded by parking traffic commission. Anyone else is recording it, let us know. Um I especially get one in in here.
>> Jean Wall, here. >> Michael Mullen, present. >> Great. >> Um Do we have public comment? Very good. Um Do we have uh minutes?
So Mike, you like what you sent the minutes out, right? >> Did anyone >> Would anyone have a motion to approve them? Did you see them? Jean? >> I had a question but uh Isaac Mass is wanting to have
enforcement on parking between the hours of I don't remember that. >> Was it just in a specific time? >> You put >> it was just at a 2-hour limit or did I not >> You put a specific Let me go to >> No, I'm pulling it up, too. If I need to make a revision, now is the time.
>> And my name is spelled w a l l. >> Oh, is it? >> Yes. >> Apologies. >> I know I have a southern accent. >> No, I just I don't know why I where I got that from. >> Okay, I'm looking looking Look, here it is.
>> Cuz I just did it on this one, too. I have like the I internalized them in my head that that was just the right way. What? Okay. >> Thank you. All the black ties. >> All right, Isaac Mass requested 1-hour parking
at five spots. >> Between before 1:00 p.m. But 1:00 p.m. is in the afternoon. But wouldn't you do it >> Yeah. >> 1:00 a.m.? I mean, I don't >> Wasn't this the I think >> I think that's what he wants. I think he
wants it in the morning. >> I thought that was the original request. >> Cuz he he he wants it for Brad's place. >> Yeah. >> But, he doesn't want it for his place. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> And I just couldn't remember that one. 1-hour parking
for 1:00 p.m. >> So, uh we don't have information here enough to say where I got that from. It could have just been from the agenda. But, it also might be a typo. >> I would guess it was before 1:00 a.m.
It >> I could go back and watch it and see what it Wait. So, I typically copy the agenda and then describe in all the details there. >> I mean, does it matter in the scheme of life? No.
>> No. But, I I I agree with you that it's I need to look I need to go back one more thing. Our posted agenda from the last meeting. But, maybe in his initial communication, he said something like that. Uh
there was there was two things that we were talking about. One was to prevent prevent people from parking overnight, right? Which I think would be the 1:00 >> a.m. >> a.m. And the other thing was to keep people from parking there all morning.
Which would be the 1:00 p.m. >> and Sunday. >> Which would be the 1:00 p.m. >> nobody to enforce it, so that doesn't make sense that he would ask for that. >> Right. That's true. >> That was just from our agenda.
>> Okay, it was on the agenda. >> Yeah, that might have It might It maybe that was just the word that he used when he reached out. >> Possibly. >> Well, we could we could just take out the a take out the before 1:00 p.m.
>> Sure. >> Just make it 1-hour parking in the five spots. >> Yeah. Ultimately, our motion then was just to ensure that the existing 2-hour limit is being enforced. >> Yeah. >> But I can clear the 1:00 p.m. And now
there's it's Yeah. >> So, I make a motion that we approve the minutes with that one correction. >> All right. I second the motion. And I will send that
Oh, wait. Because you're the one who was supposed to say that. >> Uh any discussion? >> Any discussion? >> No. >> No. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All right. Trudy, you'll get an updated version shortly.
>> I look forward to that. >> Okay. Uh Okay. So, should we move on to new business then? So, District Attorney's Office is asking to work with the city to cure 25 to 30 spaces in the parking garage. >> When I
>> old business? >> Yes. Well, when I emailed him >> Yeah. >> our response, he asked if we could put him back on the agenda. >> Yeah. >> For this month and so he could be here >> Okay. >> speak about it. >> Is that what are either of you
>> Either of you here from the mayor's office? >> Or is Samson W >> opposition to it, but I don't know if >> [laughter] >> Did I miss public comment or is that later? >> Yes. >> Yeah. I you missed public comment, but you >> I thought it started 6:00. We have the
wrong start time for you guys? >> Who >> It started right at >> It started right at 6:00. >> Like right. You came right right after. >> Sorry. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> Yeah. Now we we're If you have public comment, we'd love to hear it. >> Yes. >> [laughter]
>> She come at 5:30. >> No, that No, do you >> No, please. >> Sorry about the background. Um my name is Pamela Goodwin. I live at 54 High Street. Um I've come before about parking and um
I'm coming again about parking and ticketing and meters. So um in the past I parked I talked about the parking garage app that I found it difficult. But what I want to talk about today is a couple of different things.
I'm still very confused when And and I have a few pictures that I can show you. So for instance in front of the Recovery Center on Federal Street >> Mhm. >> there's a sign that says
no parking from here to corner. >> Mhm. >> And I was hoping to get these developed, but I'm out of money. So, I was here because the white lines are there. And this lady is in the one behind me,
and I said, "Oh, the sign says on the meter, no parking from here to corner." But the white signs that a lot of people look at are telling me it's a parking place. So, that woman with a designed car said, "Oh, I'm leaving.
I'll pull out. You can back up. Just use the money in my meter." So, that's right in front of the recovery center. The same kind of sign is opposite. Do you know where I don't have the street number, but do you know Jaduke's Playground? >> On Main?
>> On No. >> well, it's around the side. >> It's the side. Right. So, occasionally >> Is that on it? >> And it wasn't for Moose um because when the Moose has bingos, it's pretty crowded there, but that's after 6:00 or something, 5:30. So, occasionally I've
wanted to park on that side street. We're only allowed to park on the one side, and that same kind of sign with a meter there that says you cannot park from here to the corner. So, I'm not sure if those are just like
so people can see and not hit a car at an intersection. I find them confusing because there's a meter, there's a sign. I pull in. Now I know not to, but if I were just Joe Schmoe coming into town, I'm sure that you're ticketed when
you're parking where it says do not park. And yet the roads have the white parking thing. >> Right. So, where um I'm trying to figure out the first one you're talking about on Federal. So, there's this one. This is a This is Federal, right? And
this is Um but this is on Federal Street, actually. >> So, on Federal Street >> Yeah. >> The recovery center has a blue thing. >> Right here? >> I believe you're getting very close to it.
>> No. I mean, the lady said, "Hey, I'm leaving. You can back up. I only wanted to run into the Inkwell." Um >> Okay. >> And I'm trying to remember if there's any more like that. I just wish there was some way to like paint black over
the white parking place. Cuz that's kind of what people look for. >> Yeah, I'm I'm just trying to figure out where where this sign is. >> Go out there with a scratchy pad and just kind of see where Right, I know. I hear you.
Okay, so those were two areas. Um I'm also struggling to figure out where I can park for 15 minutes to get into the post office. So, if you visualize on Main Street
>> Mhm. >> by the white side it'll say 15 minutes to park. So, you can run into the PO, buy a stamp, and come back. But, then there's also an FRTA stop there. And I have looked at that going like
there's a car in front of me, and I thought, "Okay, he has the 15-minute spot, the car right the spot right in front of this car says FRTA bus stop." And it's clear as a bell if I were on the other side of the street
it would be, you know, like you got 15 minutes, you can park there. Cuz you're in front of the post office. I'm And I took a picture of this other area where I'm like, "Okay, where is the free parking that used to be there?" >> Yeah, so so looks looks like according
to this street view, which I don't know what when this is from. Uh image captured June 2025, so from last year. >> Can you get a picture of this? >> That's all right. I had to get my glasses. >> So, I'm just I'm just looking at it from
last year. So, here's the post office, right? Here's the handicap >> Right. >> space. >> But on the other side of the street there's no parking. >> so so these ones are clear on this side. >> Yeah, those are clearly marked. 15 minutes, run in, buy your stamp, and come back.
>> But no, you just pull into the driveway and park. >> I know you can. >> For me to I mean, even if you were going in the other direction, you could pull in there. >> I just want it to be very clear. And I'll give you the scenario of my friend.
She lives in Orange. >> And so, here's the >> She said, "I'm never coming to Greenfield again." She's so angry. She can never find a parking place. She doesn't understand the app and isn't going to use the garage. She got a $35
parking ticket. And she said, "What is it with Greenfield?" I said, "How could it be 35?" She I just hung up with her. I said, "Maybe you can come, Suzanne, but she called about it." And I said, "How could
it be $35? You're not late in paying a late." So, she disputed with somebody, I guess, over the phone saying, "I don't think I should have to pay this." Somebody was not real pleasant to her. She came in and showed pictures of where
she had parked and won the won the appeal right then and there because they said, "Oh." And I think it's sort of in front of City Hall. I think I'd have to look and see if she texted me that. But she is so ticked off about never finding any
parking in Greenfield, and she's like, "I want it." And I thought she was going to come and speak with you people. And so tonight I said, "Well, I know this is last minute, but um whatever she was parking, how do you get
a $35 ticket if it's you you cannot park where she was, and it was not clear to her. So when she came in and said in front of somebody, "Do you understand where I parked and why I parked?" They said, "You don't have to pay it."
>> So yeah, I don't I don't know where she was parking. >> pretty close to City Hall, I think. >> Yeah, but I think there's a number of different you know, if you're parking in a regular spot and you didn't pay the meter, that's one thing. If you park in a place that's not actually a parking spot,
that's another thing, right? So I don't know what the >> I know. I I'm I I get her because in Orange, I mean, she just wants to find a parking space. And I can say to her, "Look, good luck in the parking garage."
>> Yeah. >> I can tell you this, the fourth floor is free, which I was told by Matt Conway. >> Yeah. >> I park if I have to take my car downtown. I am so tired of looking for quarters and dimes and having my business friend give me a quarter, "Feed
your meter some more, and you're going to get >> Yeah. >> They ticketing like crazy because the mayor has hired extra people and is looking for money. >> Well, well, I heard I To be [clears throat] clear, we hired the correct amount of people. We had one person part-time. >> two and three.
>> Well, now now we're actually covering the time that people are parking, which is what we're supposed to do, right? It's not because we're looking for money. It's because we actually want more parking on the main street is idea. So that's that's that's a theory. >> I I stopped yesterday, and I was
thrilled because I thought, "Now people are at the restaurants because of this festival for 3 days, right?" And so there were people out and about, but there was no place on the entire main drag in the evening and it was
yesterday they were still going on, but I know the festival ended on Sunday, whatever. They were starting to go into the restaurants. So, I have been parking on the fourth floor. It is almost filled now on the fourth
floor. When I see somebody struggling with that license plate and that code and all of that, I said to them, "You know, you could park on the fourth and it doesn't cost you." On the third level, when you might think you're on the
fourth floor, they're ticketing that person. And I saw that guy getting a ticket and I said, "You know, for a lot of people they think they're up high cuz there's this guy." And this person shooting the ticket across there said, "If they just
look right there, it says level three." And I said, "I get it." The last thing I'll say is I went to every one of these parking hearings that we've had. And when we are going to start to have, hopefully, parallel parking and then
there'll be maybe a bike path, which I don't think belongs on Main Street. I just watched my friend running a store. We were sitting there. She jumped up to help a bicyclist who got clipped by a car >> Yeah. >> driving. >> Mhm. >> He was okay, but a little shaken up.
>> Mhm. >> And she sits out in front of her store and I thought, "I cannot wait until it's parallel parking. Hopefully, that doesn't get shut down." In those same hearings, the man said,
"You're just ticking people off when they come in here and they have to pay a parking ticket." And that's what I'm hearing from people. >> I I I I I agree with you. >> I know. It's not a welcoming thought, and he said, "Let's hope that the people
that are hired for ticketing can just, you know, hey, welcome to Greenfield, come on in." Because so many other towns don't have meters, don't have ticketing. I mean, many of them >> Um at towns of our size, that is not
true. So >> know the town. But they don't have meters. >> Northampton, Amherst, Springfield, Holyoke, Keene, Brattleboro, they all have it. So, I think I think
of our size, we have it. And And the idea is that you know, A, we need to pay for We pay for the parking lots, etc. And B, we want to want it so that people just don't park all day on Main Street, and then there's no turnover, so that people can
>> a parking lot for the employees, where they actually get to walk to where they work. >> But we have lots of that. We have That's why we have the That's why we have the lot >> behind the co-op? >> We have a lot behind the co-op, behind the >> functioning now? Is that a paid park, or
is it free? >> It's >> I'm not sure. >> Behind the co-op, it's free. Pay the park >> One of them was broken for a long time. And when I want to get food from the pantry, I never want to park on Main Street, or
nor can I find a space, so I try to park behind, and behind is pretty filled up with the um um the Taekwondo people and their vehicles and their little buses and stuff. So, you have to like park further out toward
Patriot Care. Yeah. >> So, so on on the on the If you're on the train track side of that lot, that is not public parking. That's private parking for the Taekwondo building. >> Okay.
>> So, it's it's one of directly behind the hall. In between the hall and Patriot Care is a public >> So, they're paying for those vehicles to park there. >> They they own the lot. >> We own the lot? >> No, they own that half of the lot. >> Okay. All right. >> Yeah, so that's that's there.
Uh I want to come back to this this one across the street from the post office. >> Okay. >> This This sign looks pretty clear to me. >> Is there one 15-minute parking? >> 15-minute parking. The other two have are I think um there's no sign there,
but there is a meter there. Which to me is the same as a sign. Is that still confusing? >> Yeah, well Well, no, I think if there's a meter, I kind of expect that I'm going to be there to pay that meter or get my ticket. >> Yeah, so here we have this one
here has a meter, right? >> Mhm. >> This one here is the 15-minute spot. There's a sign that says 15-minute parking. >> Okay. >> There's a crosswalk here. And then this one has a meter right there. >> Where's the FRTA spot? Cuz that's
I think there used to be more 15-minute parking on that side until they put in the stop sign for the >> Yes, it looks like there's looks like there's two so we might have lost one. In this one in 2025, you 2025, it looks like there were two
15-minute spots. And maybe there's only one now. >> Okay. >> So, so we we should look at that. >> One of the gentlemen um was talking with us. He's one of the newer ones. The other one I recognize and I know him. And then this newer one
was saying he did think that sometimes the meter you can't tell whether that's the meter with I am or if that's the meter for this car or if it's for this old one over here. >> Yeah. >> And once they're failed, somebody's going to fix them so they work. Is that how like there's several failed
ones on Main Street again? >> Well, we I think the problem is is that they're so old that we can't find parts for the lane. >> Oh, okay. >> So, we're slowly removing them from other places to try to >> And transferring into the garage.
>> like it's it's they're not Yeah. >> Okay. And when Main Street's redone, we'll put in kiosks. Well, let's hope so. >> So, so the idea of the kiosks but not So, we tried kiosks on Main
Street. Do you remember that? Where we tried >> No, but I have the kiosk over in Northampton in a parking garage when we all went to a great big thing and that didn't work either. It's like, you know, you really People have asked me, are we ever going to get the bank card thing
back? So, the gate drops down and you put in your credit card. That's never coming back. Okay, cuz I do remember when that was quick and easy and helpful to people. And then all of a sudden that happened again. >> were trapped in there. >> [clears throat] >> It was happening many times. >> Oh, okay. All right. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Well, that's not funny. >> That's not funny either. No. Cuz that was a problem. And so that's why that that thing never worked right and they were constantly doing that. They were getting trapped in there. Blah, blah, blah. So, what our proposal is and I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on this is
to put in a kiosk, you know, by the exits from the parking garage. That all you need is your plate number. Right? So, you'd have to know your your car plate number. >> Yeah, it's memorized. That's not a problem. >> And then you go in and you put your car plate number in
and put in your money um and then give you your time and then you wouldn't have to go back to your car. Right? It would just be pay by plate. >> Okay. Does it need a code? Because whenever I would put in the code and my
plate number and I thought it was all set, it said it was not all set. I came back and then it said I didn't get a ticket, but I was in a long meeting over T set. So, I mean, even when I did everything right and I had I had John Lund look, is this the right code? He goes,
yep, that's it. And this is your plate number. And I looked at the thing and it would say >> phone now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's It's It It didn't give me a ticket. >> Yeah. >> But it said it failed and I'm like, I cannot understand understand why it's so
difficult. >> We're going to make sure we always have the phone app as a possibility and the kiosk as a possibility. And the kiosk will be able to put your card in. I don't know if we'll take cash. >> When is the When is this green one being redone? Do you know what year this is
supposed to happen on Main Street? I don't remember. >> It's sooner between 2029. It'll be I think 2029. >> is the All I know is I am so careful backing out and they come whipping around that
corner by Freedom Cafe and they're going to crush me. Um and they're just, you know, they're speeding. Obviously, you're at a stop sign, you're looking and then these double long trucks and these big vans, I can't see past them. So, my little Prius
goes out inch by inch and I'm looking and then I think I'm clear until somebody comes around that corner. So, I really don't want anything to do with parking on Main Street anymore. It's no fun. You know, I'm just either going to walk or take a bike. And I know
you've had your other public comment, but even taking a bike is very dangerous on these streets and you don't have safe bike >> That's where the That's where the bike path on Main Street makes sense. >> Well, somebody's asking me, how do you
parallel park and then you have your bikes here and then you have your >> It's parking, bike, sidewalk. >> Okay. Cuz when I know when you're not allowed to have your bike on a sidewalk, right? >> Uh
>> I've been told to never put my bike on a sidewalk. [clears throat] They want it in the street, and I'm thinking that is so dangerous. >> No, so that's not true. Like, you know the >> I thought that riding your bike on a sidewalk, riding it on a base on a sidewalk in the central commercial
district is not allowed. >> In the central commercial district >> get off the sidewalk to me. >> That's true. So, in downtown >> That's true. >> You have to walk your bike. Not downtown, that's not true. You can ride your bike on the sidewalk. >> Mhm. >> [clears throat]
>> Okay. Yeah, cuz I've had police tell people, "What are you doing on the sidewalk?" >> Right, which makes sense. You don't want You don't want people to >> People are trying to walk. >> Yeah, so so the idea >> Little children are there. >> The the idea is that you would have your your car drive, where people are driving, the
parking, the bike lane, and then the sidewalk. Right? >> Okay. >> So, there wouldn't So, So, there So, it would be uh it wouldn't be in between the parked cars and the driving cars, right? It would be in between the parked cars and
the sidewalk. >> Okay. And it's still going to be parking on both sides of the street, parallel? >> Parallel on both sides of the street, that's right. >> I'm just trying to picture how wide this is compared to like Turners. Like, Turners you can
It's an interstate over there and unbelievable space and room and walking, and there's the traffic lights. >> Yeah. >> Okay, well, thank you. >> Yeah. >> And >> So, so 15-minute Just so I get the all
these. The 15-minute across uh in front of the the in front of the uh courthouse, basically. That's what I >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> In front of the courthouse >> ticketing that 15-minute time frame. >> A- across from the >> Right here. Oh, the courthouse.
>> Yeah, across from the courthouse. >> Yeah, and they're also the 15-minute out here in front of city hall. I saw I saw that happening a couple of times. I'm like, "Oh boy, now I I think they're chalking the tires." >> Yes. Um right.
So, the >> Sorry, I'm I know you want to talk about the courthouse. >> but to that one and then the all similar one in the recovery recovery >> One of the recovery >> uh no parking at corner sign, which I'm not seeing on this either. When I look at it. So, I'd be curious
I'm curious about that. >> Um >> Because I don't >> Well, I don't know. Do you want me to email you my photos? Cuz I don't know how old that is that you're looking at. >> Yeah, email me your photos. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah, the other one is across from the Judique. What is the name of that side street by the new school? What is it?
>> It's School Street. >> Okay, School Street, yeah. So, those are the two that were like, "Don't park from between here and here." And I'm pretty sure there's a meter, but maybe the meter was for the first car and then the sign says, "Don't park here." But like Mike says, how are we going to
paint over the white signs? I mean, the white down on the pavement. >> that. They do that. They put black paint down. >> Oh. >> They will do that. >> DPW does that constantly. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, if they're if they had put a sign up, you know, and then forgot or neglected
to paint that over, then it makes a lot of sense that they would need to get out. >> Yeah, well, it has to be in their computer system. >> Yeah. >> Like everything else. And it's like, when was it put in there? Who's going to get around to doing it? Prove that it got done sometime, you know. >> Yeah, and like Judy says, the summer help
is coming on to be able to do all that painting. >> Okay. Okay. I can I do a work order for that? >> Okay, well, let let's see whether that's we should Yes. Look at the DPW look. >> And I am concerned about the crosswalk that's disappeared cuz I used it the
other day and I'm like, "Where the heck is it?" I was like, "Can't they definitely we do that. Yeah, they they have and and I I know I mean I think the mayor herself told me we can't get one from the parking garage because the DOT won't allow it. And when
you park in that parking garage, you have to go all the way down to John Oliver or come up here and wait forever at the big intersection. And I think that that's where a lot of people kind of would just don't want to go down and up and then
circle back. And you know, people who are ambulatory, it's more steps, but people with canes and wheelchairs and scooters are And that's the other problem is like I don't know what's going on with the electric bikes and the scooters, but man, they are darting around >> [clears throat]
>> acting like they're a car and you know, I can't always see them when I'm in my car. I want to jump out of the way no matter where they're going cuz they're pretty fast. Thank you so much. Good one. Sorry. >> No, I I missed it.
>> that's all right. Good to see you guys. Thanks. >> Okay. Next order. Okay. Do you want to go back to the Bank Row Turn District Attorney? >> I think we should skip this and >> Okay. Let's skip it and we don't know
>> We already made our decision and >> Okay, sounds good. So we'll see You're next month. Sam Whitney Hello Sam, okay. Hi Sam. >> Hey, good evening.
Is now a time to jump in? >> Yeah, go ahead. >> All right. Yeah, so Judy, I appreciate you working with me and getting this on the agenda. But my name is Samson Whitney. I reside at 53 Mill Street out in Greenfield, and
I'm formally requesting temporary seasonal installation of official turtle crossing warning signs for the Mill Street bridge crossing over the Green River. Um every year around this time,
particularly May to July, uh this kind of specific stretch of road sees a higher volume of turtles migrating to nest. Uh so, going from one side of the road to the other. Um and because of the road's layout and
speeds and um kind of the way the animals are crossing there, there's been over the last couple of years kind of like a higher mortality rate. And it also creates like sudden braking hazards for cars.
Um just because of the kind of the couple bends there, um it can kind of be hazardous when people are stopping to let them cross or even getting out to assist with the crossing. Um So, I understand, you know, the town's
got to kind of carefully manage the number of signs, but because of how highly predictable and seasonal this issue is, I'm asking for a temporary signs rather than permanent fixtures. Um and these would only need to be
active during those months I mentioned, kind of May to July time frame. Um And then they can come down, and that would also kind of prevent drivers from kind of being fatigued by the signs always being there, too.
So, having the signs being seasonal kind of brings more awareness, and they don't get kind of tired out or tuned out from constantly seeing the same signs. Um I spoke with the conservation agent, uh Jessica Ciegel, and I have a formal
letter of her support for this. >> Get a letter to you then. >> All right. Thank you. Thank you, Judy. I appreciate you. >> No problem. >> Get it out. Um and in that letter you'll see, you know, kind of she's echoing the same thing uh
seasonal signage during that time when uh turtles are nesting. Um and yeah, I think it would just be great for for the environment and also again for the safety of drivers and pedestrians in that area. Um but that's all I have and I
appreciate the time. >> Yeah, so there were there actually the the turtles are actually on the bridge? >> Yeah, so they'll come um I'm not sure how familiar you are with that area by the kind of like the Industrial Heritage Museum. >> Yeah, mhm. >> But they'll typically, from what I've
seen over the last couple years, is they will come from that side, so the south side. They'll They'll actually come up the bank and cross the bridge either on the east or west side of the bridge and then go down to the river where they nest. >> Okay, so they nest
down by the river. >> Yep. >> Okay. Yeah. >> [clears throat] >> Has anyone else seen turtle signs come up recently in like the Montague area? >> No. >> Yeah, so Montague, Leverett
um and I believe Amherst has have taken some initiatives with this as well. So it's becoming a little more common. Uh especially as, you know, I haven't seen any endangered species, but um you know, it's just there's more traffic, so we're seeing more fatalities.
>> Yeah. Yes. David, since you might sound familiar with the signs and I believe I've seen some of them recently myself. >> Yeah. >> Are those the type of temporary signs that you kind of have in mind? If memory serves, they're either smaller, almost they they almost look like a political
sign if that makes sense. Or am I am I imagining them differently? I know I've seen them but >> Yeah. Yeah, I actually put one out there like a one of those political ones like you're you're mentioning so I just went on Amazon and grabbed something to
maybe maybe make a difference but the signs I'm I'm requesting would be more of like uh potentially being attached to the current metal structures on each side of the bridge. Um But at the same time I I wouldn't be
opposed to that style either. I think something at this point would be better than nothing. >> Mine do have little yellow ones. >> They have like little yellow >> Yeah, they remind me of bees. Like little yellow turtle crossing. They're just kind of cute but they really catch your attention. I've seen several on the morning.
>> Oh yeah. >> Okay. So from our perspective I'm not opposed to that. >> No. >> We want to So we want to suggest a full metal sign. See what some of our neighboring towns
have put up and see if we can source those and think it would just be easier to take and >> Wouldn't the DPW be the Would they make the signs? So Wouldn't they be researching? >> It's also them. >> Okay. >> I think Yeah, so I think we just say
we are in approval of putting up turtle signs. >> Mhm. >> Or whether they may be >> removable. Removable. >> Removable. Yeah. Seasonal. >> Seasonal. >> Yeah. Sam, what were the um months that
you said that the turtles cross May through >> Yeah, be beginning of May to the end of July. >> End of July. Thank you. >> Do you know the name of that bridge? >> Mill Street Bridge. >> the Mill Street Bridge. >> I don't know. >> I think that's good. >> That's what I thought you said.
>> [laughter] >> I should have said it with more conviction than that. >> It's weird. [clears throat] What is it? Not enough Is it Mill Street the one that's crossed that crosses it that one? Okay. All right. That's Yeah, the one that goes by the museum. >> Mhm. [clears throat]
>> Right. Yeah, and then on the other side is um is the street that goes up to to the fairgrounds there, Wisdom Way. Uh but yeah, so it goes from Mill Street to to River Street if you're traveling uh east to west.
But yeah, we would need signs on, you know, both sides. So. I'm not sure what the next step would be for this. Is it Would it be something, you know, I need to initiate like, you know, would there be some kind of support on your side? Or is this something you guys kind of
would pass over to DPW for the next steps? >> Yeah, so uh technically we're an advisory committee to the mayor. So, we advise the mayor on things. So, um basic um
So, we will Judy will push it forward on her side. Hey, Judy and then um it doesn't definitely doesn't help to do you follow up on this but it doesn't hurt. >> Right.
>> It helps to follow up on this um and in other avenues and see what traction you can get. >> Okay. Yeah, cuz when I had initially started this, I had opened a ClickFix um and the DPW had kicked it uh, over to you and I did a little more
research and with with Judy's help and a few other things, you know, that's how I got Jessica involved to uh, the conservation agent, but yeah, I can do that. I'll Judy, maybe I'll, you know, I'm I know it's kind of halfway through that period this year, but, you know, maybe
I'll follow up um, a little later and, you know, if I don't see anything, I'll definitely follow up early next year. >> Okay. Absolutely. I can let you know if I hear anything after I put it out to the mayor and DPW. >> Okay. Great. I appreciate all your help on
this. Thank you for the time. >> Thank you. >> You want to pass the formal motion on that? >> Sure. >> All right. >> What's that's what's the motion? What's the >> Motion to put up seasonal turtle crossing signs in the area of the Mostry
Bridge on both sides of the bridge. >> Second. >> All in favor? >> I. >> I. >> Can I just Okay. >> Kelly said she's not coming. >> Correct. I'm going to put her on the next agenda.
>> All right. So, it's the old business here. Oh, I know this one. It's folks who are friends at at Greenfield Auto Specialists. >> Yes. >> Um, he said that he
will manage the foliage, but he would like a sign because the foliage is still not there all year. >> Mhm. >> And it is >> Still >> still in it. Yeah. Um, but he said he will take more initiative in managing the foliage in the summer
when it does make things worse, but he would like a sign. >> [laughter] >> So, uh, and there is a sign already, right? >> There is a sign, but it's not obviously indicating that driveway. It's you know, so we could
>> Yes, I've never seen the sign until I actually looked for it. >> The sign's not in very good condition, is it? Is Is it stands, but it's not clear that that's even I mean, I I feel this way about some of this What do we call these? Hidden Drive signs, and then you you're like, which is Is that the Hidden
Drive? Is it It's hidden by definition, so I couldn't Yeah. >> is a good sign that you're watching. >> If I Yeah, yeah. Um so, I I Either we put in a another one briefly
right after, which might feel a little redundant, or we consider taking that one that it that exists, maybe giving it a little zhuzhing up, and moving it >> a little closer. >> 50 yd down the down the strip. It would probably end up being right after the
Greenfield PD In-N-Out. >> We'll see if we can put a sign there. >> It would be like that. >> So, there's a no parking sign there. Yeah. >> I never noticed it.
Doesn't say private driveway. I can't remember what it said, but >> It's It It's what it's supposed to It's what it's supposed to mean, but you really have to be uh >> I think >> I think I was standing I was standing >> [laughter]
>> The sign I have never seen this many times as I've driven down there. >> Yeah. >> Oh, really? There's a So, I've seen an FRTA sign. Look at the bus stop there. I don't I take it.
Yeah, I but it's interesting that it's it's so not there that I can't see it from the from the street view. I might even >> So that would be easy. No awkward and embarrassing photos in the middle of the block.
I don't see a surprise of awkward and embarrassing. All right, here's the sign. It's by the dentistry office. >> Yeah, English. >> If you Yeah, it's the It says slow and
the hidden drive text is largely uh >> Oh, hidden drive slow. >> like missing. Yeah. >> That's way back there. >> It's it's it's way back and there's no clear hidden drive. Yeah, I believe. >> drive should be big. >> The hidden drive should be
>> It doesn't seem like it should be right after >> So maybe let's not use that sign. Let's get a different sign. >> [laughter] >> It should be right after the police station. >> It should be right It should be right after the Yeah, that would be the ideal place, I think. So north um northbound on High Street
right after the GPD entrance exit. >> Okay. >> I can see if that's feasible. >> I'll hear to All right. Do you want to see if that sounds feasible and then we can go from there? >> Yes. Expensive offsetting
price increases on the new parking system. >> Yeah. Do we have any ideas? I'm going to try and do some math on this, but >> So, so what I'm confused about this, what this means.
>> This was following up from last week or last month when we were talking about the sort of the gap in our revenue to to kind of cost. Um And then maybe I don't actually know right now if we have to figure this part
out, but we do have a parking benefit district now in downtown. And the statutory text says that 10% of our revenue has to get spent on things in parking benefit district, which would
kind of mean that there's like another 10% of Do you know what I mean? That's not >> That's our revenue. >> Of our revenue. Yeah, it has it has specific and I could pull up it or I could send the text if everyone wants to see the e-code. We also have
Jennifer's numbers from last month. Jennifer said that when she has her full year summary of this year, she'll get those to us, too. They might be in time for our next meeting, but we might not have them yet. >> Is it the June Is it June 30th fiscal?
>> Yes. [clears throat] I believe so. Yeah, yeah. She said maybe like third week of July she would probably have those. So, the e-code in question is section
See, if you're on your devices, you should see it. Let me say what it actually is, though. Right now, which is up here. I guess I have to open it. Which is the number here? Uh chapter 320 or section 20
Downtown Parking Benefit District. They say in 320-3, Downtown Parking Benefit District shall be funded with an annual allocation equal to a minimum of 10% of parking revenue defined as gross gross revenue from
meters, kiosks, and parking apps. Okay. So, when Yeah. We want it balanced. We probably want it running. Yeah, we probably want it running. I think we I think we >> We need to. >> Yeah.
>> Um Yeah. >> Um >> Would that be enough to create enough of an expense? That's right. I'm sure. >> I guess some Yeah, like like we would put take that bucket, add it up, and then we would basically
see it as a potential sitting expense that was there that wouldn't in theory need to be. The good news is if you look at the end of that thing, it does say that we're supposed to get to decide if we like the proposal or not. >> The proposal? Yeah. >> Yeah, so we did. So,
>> That's right. Things such as uh anything, crosswalks. >> Could be. >> Mhm. >> [clears throat] >> All right. And uh So,
what are we We're What are we looking for here? Like what we're doing here with our opinion. >> Like what's the number? >> Like what what are we trying to What What are we trying to work on? We're trying to >> So, as far as I understood, we don't really have we can't do anything with
the meters out short of replacing the meters. >> Yeah, we're looking for next year. >> If we're thinking of next year, we're not going to make any changes until calendar year. So, I guess we'd like to have a pretty reasonable suggestion of
what would be some things that we think could do that with. Project to get us into into a spot that would that would do that. You know, and we'd have to make some There's some level of assumptions like so if we'd looked at our permits, we could
say we could do some napkin math and say like if we sold exactly the same amount of permits, but they were 100 more, what would that do? >> Yeah. >> If that caused us to lose 100 permits total, what would that mean? And then and kind of try to come up with
something that we think is like a >> We could I I think we should also maybe not worry about being profit, you know, quote-unquote profitable, right? >> Yeah. >> So, and then and then if we didn't have
any parking meters or kiosks or anything, >> Mhm. >> um the town would just be the taxpayers would be paying for the >> Not the drivers, the taxpayers.
>> The taxpayers would be paying for the parking lots and the main and all that stuff, right? >> Mhm. >> So, Okay, but that's fine. That's that's normal. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Sounds like a terrible idea to me. >> But that's that's that's kind of normal.
That's how it is it's done in so many towns everywhere. >> Okay. >> Uh they were small enough that they don't worry about this. So, I think we definitely need to be able to cover cover the things the additional costs,
right? Such as you know, the parking enforcement officers, the kiosks, whatever it is that all those kind of material things that we have to buy and they're part of our operating budget. Like definitely need to be be able to
cover that. I think other long-term things such as we would like to be able to cover the debt service on the parking garage and the parking lots, right? That would be ideal. You know, we should be trying to do that, but if we can't achieve that,
you know, with if the only way to achieve that is making Greenfield and visitors miserable, then we shouldn't be doing that, right? So. >> Suppose, yeah. >> So, it seems like we are we can't increase the
hourly rates on parking meters because it would take too much to reprogram them, right? That's what you're saying. >> Maybe. I don't know. >> Yeah. >> I mean, [clears throat] someone want to give me one of those. >> [laughter] >> That's kind of our
>> That's our assumption, but I mean, like what what we don't actually know what the barriers are to that. Because otherwise, you know, we have I mean, we have on the desk a parking study that has specific numbers and all of those things that we are not hitting. >> Right. >> And we could then we would just say try those and see
what happens. >> Right. Okay. So, that's a possibility. >> Mhm. Which in theory would also solve our parking predicament to some extent that the better pricing will make it available for people who want the spaces. >> Yeah, I guess the question um >> network Yeah.
>> or chip >> network >> Yeah, it works. Um do you think um if the parking meters were higher cost, where are they now like 50 cents an hour? >> They're
>> It depends on where they are. >> Yeah, some of them are pretty low. >> Yeah. >> And Keene is a dollar an hour, which is a lot more than we are, where it's famously pleasant to park. >> If if people had to pay a dollar an hour on the meters on Main Street,
would that make a difference compared to paying 50 cents an hour? >> I think people are really struggling. >> Would there be more Would there be more spaces >> available? >> Well, maybe. Like I I'll give you an example. My friend and I who came up from Amherst, and we went to Freedom
Cafe, we sat there for hours. We both had parking tickets, and we said, "Oh god, let's never do that again." Um you know, like we just and he has come up since then and tracks it on his phone, so that he can go, "Oh wait, we're not done yet,
but I'm going to run out and and feed my meter." You know, so I don't know what the answer is. I can tell you that you know, the woman mayor, when she takes people around walking, she often would ask and they're mostly retirees, cuz
everybody else is at work. She would say, "What are we going to do about the meters? Do you Do you want to put money in? Do you need Do you want to put coins in? Do you understand the apps?" Nine times out of 10, people are like, "I don't want that app thing." >> Yeah. And they you know, many of them
either don't have some kind of a phone. So, a dollar an hour I don't know. And I've met my ex-husband, he comes down from Vernon, Vermont. We've been at Freedom Cafe and I just feel like I have to constantly put money in thinking how long will we
be there. >> Yeah. >> Um so, a dollar an hour I don't know what to tell you. I think people are really struggling to feed their families and I just know people will maybe go to a town where they don't have to think about
>> And then um have you tried parking in the C&D lot, the Chapman and Davis lot down there by the State Park? >> Um it in Chapman lot? >> Yeah. >> Down further? >> Yeah, cuz that's that's that's like a block >> No, I Yeah, I have. And see, Chapman is
such a mess with the construction and then it was a mess on this side of Wilson's and now it's a mess everywhere around Wilson's. And they were They were so many construction vehicles on Chapman that I think the chief of police was was
like, "You know what? We got to We got to loosen up this street a little bit." So, it's allowing parking on both sides on Chapman and it's a tight People sit there and go, "Okay, who's going? You or me?" >> Yeah.
>> behind because that still is allowing both sides of it parking there. >> Yeah. >> And I had parked in that um you know, I when I was working at the you know, it was never an issue when I was staying overnight at the shelter helping people. Uh
and the [snorts] State Park is there, you know, like but that's I think the lot that had a broken thing for a long time. Did they fix that one? >> Yes, the kiosks are being worked on. >> They're working on >> They're still being worked on. >> Yes. >> Because I've tried to put something there and I was like, "Oh my god, I don't know how this is going to work."
>> what What happens then? Have you Have getting tickets if they're >> Um yes, sometimes. >> Oh, yeah. Okay. >> But they can use the app. >> They can use the app. >> Yeah, but if you want to just
See, that's what I thought also had happened behind the food co-op. Was Was it working? Was it not working? Is it So, those lots, if I can figure them out, maybe. Not everybody has a cell phone, and not
every old person wants to install more and more apps. >> Not everyone has a car, either. 20% of our households don't own a car, or something. >> [laughter] >> If we were I've been advocating for having the Chapman lot to be free
for a long time. Because I feel like having a free place to park um makes a number of people who are against paying for parking and and worrying about that and having like
the the whole thing like, "Oh, I just know if I go to this lot, I can pay. I don't have to pay. It's free." And then I can walk to wherever I'm walking to and then do with that. >> Well, and that's what they had said is Greenfield has no parking problem. Those
those hearings and that survey we spent all that money on, and they came in and said, "We don't have a parking problem." You ask the people who live here and ask where the parking is bothering people or not, and boy, we know where that all went. You know, parking or housing or that kind of thing. So, I think a free lot would make
a big difference. What I thought they were going to do was have drop like drop-off loading trucks, FRT buses on and off. People who are impaired need a place that's not going to make them walk on
their scooter or with their cane. >> Right, but they but they can They should be able to get a handicap parking then. >> Right. >> can also park in any spot that's free with a handicap placard. >> for [laughter] any amount of time. >> I feel like that solves that.
>> And yeah, I I I you're right about that. But how you can educate people is the big question with that. And you know, I don't think I'm the right person to work I appreciate being asked, but I think it maybe needs a survey or what do people in general feel? >> Yeah. Okay.
>> Because I asked a long time ago, I was trying to find the back way to the Sheriff's Department. Oh my not the not over on Elm Street, but this place. There's so many places where you pull in and you're here and then I'm at a dead end and I didn't know how to get to the back. There's no back door to the
Justice Center. >> Oh, okay. >> They were sending me that way. >> Oh, okay. >> And so there were all of these parking areas that were privately held. >> Yeah. >> Telling people you can't park here. You not be here. Like can you is it free in
front of the Patriot Care? That was always a veteran service or VFW. >> I don't believe that it's also I believe it's not public there. >> I know. I think >> I believe I believe it's I believe it's just Yeah.
>> Pleasant Street is free. >> Pleasant Street is free. >> And is that behind um >> Private tax. Liberty tax. >> Yeah, okay. >> Like a like an inner inner road. >> that's a small area [clears throat] over there. >> Yeah, there's always there's always
spaces there. >> You can you can park I mean Pete's Market is also walking distance. I don't want to load up his parking lot because people love to come in there and park and eat and leave and so forth. I don't know. I think it's hard for people to know where to be.
>> Yeah. >> And if you know, like 56 or 60 some spots in that parking garage, I've never been on the fourth floor where it's really hard to find a place and people are starting to realize you get up there you're on the rooftop
>> Okay. >> Um and hardly anybody was on that third level and yet I have been in that parking garage where I have circled and circled and circled but I you know and you can't get on the fourth floor during certain season they block it off cuz I
don't want to deal with the following. >> Yeah. >> Um but some people still have a thing about the parking garage I'm like it's safe. It's fine. >> I have that that's weird. >> I mean they have a long memory about some of these things. There's some vagrants in there.
>> Yeah. >> I I was one time I was very nervous and a friend took me there. Um and you know you get to park there during parking bans which is cool. So I would move my car leave it there and I didn't know I had to get it out of there
cuz that's one other time I got a parking ticket. Oh my god there's a deadline on how fast I can come on over and move the car you know. So I really appreciate that during parking bans because we get towed where we park where I live. >> Okay. >> Um it you know they're going to tow you
if you don't move that car and I'm always calling to ask whether there's a parking ban or not a parking ban on the street itself. So people can be very helpful about it but I think it's a really big deal when we start converting this main street you
know how people are going to go so crazy they didn't like the construction that was going on. >> Yeah. >> and we have to wait on DOT and parks and this and everybody complains. But I think it's a really good question it's how to how to get the word out
there. >> Yeah. >> I mean you can invite everybody you want in the whole city of Greenfield come on in here and talk to me to you guys and see if they come. >> Yeah so I think Like what do you think about
we if we put together some proposals about changing pricing? >> I think we >> [clears throat] >> I think it's I think it's irresponsible for us not to raise the price. And we clearly have a problem. >> We need to have a public hearing then about it, right? >> Yeah, that's
>> So, okay, so let's plan on doing that in September. >> for next year, right? So, you're advising what the what would be offered to the mayor and then go from there and then the people would be informed. >> But I think we need to develop some proposals so you know, to have a hearing about.
>> Yeah. >> I I don't think a meaningful way to approach this is to just ask people >> No, no, we we want [laughter] to have a proposal so we >> Pamela is an exception, but >> I know. I know. I [laughter] appreciate you letting me just jump in and constantly do that, but I I really
think it it's all about education, communication. >> Yeah. >> Always has been, always will be. And you're never going to please everybody, but the majority of the people should would love to have some input. Yeah. You know? >> Okay. So,
I say we we put it on the next meeting agenda to to try to come up with a some >> some numbers. >> I think we yeah, I think we need to like imagine what might what we might be able to do. >> Yeah.
>> And see how that feels and see if that closes it. >> And the and the parking permits are pretty underpriced, too. >> That's it. If we look at the monthly permits and we look at some of the lots and I think again, we by doing something like making Chapman free, but
moving up some of the other things, >> I think that could be a good >> then we start coming up with something where we're kind of encouraging people to use the resources like prudentially a little bit and then there's open them up. Like with a handicap person, you can park anywhere with a handicap placard, you don't have
to pay. But if all the spots are taken, then it doesn't you know, every different people have different disabilities, so like I don't want to assume that like one person needs this exact same but Anyway. >> And isn't this your second meeting this month? Cuz I really thought you guys met once a month.
>> Once a month. No, we got pushed back to June because we got pushed back a week. >> Cuz I was like shocked when I said, "Oh, wait, there's a meeting coming up." >> No, yeah, we we we meet the third >> fourth >> fourth fourth We meet the fourth.
>> But sometimes the fourth becomes the fifth, which is really the first of the next >> Yeah, I know. >> [laughter] >> All right. Okay, so I think we should uh >> Motion to adjourn. >> Motion to adjourn. Second to adjourn. >> Did
Do you have anything here? >> No, I just wanted to mention something that I agreed with the reporter. >> Okay, thanks. Thank you for coming. >> Thank you. And I have anything >> Okay, so the motion to adjourn. All in favor? >> In favor, I.
>> I. Meeting adjourned.