AUGUST 16, 2006

                                                                WAYNESBORO, PA 17268

                                                                SPECIAL MEETING RE: N. EAST AVENUE                                                                 TRAFFIC SITUATION

Council President Richard George called the special meeting to order at 6:45 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Borough Council Members – Jason Stains, Richard George, Charles McCammon, Allen Berry, Allen Porter and Craig Newcomer

          Mayor Richard Starliper

          Borough Staff – Lloyd R. Hamberger, II, Borough Manager

                     Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent

                     Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

                     Ray Shultz, Police Chief

                     Dan Sheffler, Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer

Mr. George noted that the purpose of this public meeting was to discuss the N. East Avenue traffic situation. Information and input would be received from residents regarding traffic patterns, traffic flow, and suggestions for solving traffic problems in the area. He added that the issue has been addressed several times in the past; and, at one time, a traffic light at N. East Avenue was suggested. During the last two years, Council has received numerous letters from residents on N. East Avenue and Summit Avenue (and from the general public) regarding the dangerous situation in this area. Council believes that the residents of the area should be given an opportunity to discuss their concerns and offer suggestions for consideration. Accordingly, he welcomed those in attendance; and stated that Council looks forward to their comments.

Those wishing to comment were requested to provide their name and address for the record.

Grace Baylor, 101 N. East Avenue - Ms. Baylor stated that there is too much traffic traveling too fast for the conditions in this area. The 25 mph speed limit should be enforced. Motorists go through Eastland Hills to use the traffic light at Mickley Avenue because of the dangerous intersection at N. East Avenue and Main Street. There is also a need for sidewalks in the area to ensure safety for children walking to school, joggers, walkers, etc. Roadside Avenue cannot handle the large truck traffic and increased traffic in general. She feels that a traffic light at N. East Avenue and Main Street would be the solution. Ms. Baylor stated that those in opposition of a light might say it would be too close to the one at Mickley Avenue, but she measured the distance (in her car) as 2/10 of a mile. She also measured the distance between the lights at Old Forge Road and Midvale Road (in Washington Township), and that is 1/10 of a mile. She feels that a traffic light would help to slow the traffic down.

Doug McCullough, 826 Summit Avenue - Mr. McCullough stated that he is in agreement with Grace Baylor’s comments. The suggestion of making N. East Avenue one-way would only make it more of a “racetrack”, and therefore would not be a viable solution. He added that it is dangerous making a left turn onto Main Street, as well as turning from Main Street onto N. East Avenue. He is hopeful that Council will re-examine the situation and reconsider the possibility of installing a traffic light. Traffic continues to grow, and there is more traffic now than when a traffic light was previously suggested. Mr. McCullough noted that the turning lanes painted on the roadway were “a good idea of paper”, but they don’t necessarily work. A pedestrian crossing is also needed on Main Street, as there are no crosswalks from the hospital to the traffic light at Mickley Avenue.

Theona Eles, 705 E. Main Street - Ms. Eles lives across from Kmart, and agreed that it is almost impossible to use her driveway (which exits onto Main Street) and/or walk across to the mall. She feels that a traffic light would be a good idea for this location.

Ann Markell, 210 Roadside Avenue - Ms. Markell agreed with the statements made by her neighbors. Traffic on Roadside Avenue has become heavier and faster, and the truck traffic (in particular) has increased tremendously. She mentioned the use of “jake brakes” during the late-night hours, which is very loud. It is difficult to back out of her driveway, as well as cross the street. She doesn’t feel that making Roadside Avenue one-way north would help, but a traffic light at N. East Avenue might be the best solution. Speed enforcement and a truck traffic restriction could also prove to be beneficial.

Barbara Duncan, 110 N. East Avenue - Ms. Duncan stated that there have been numerous accidents on Roadside Avenue, as well as N. East Avenue, due to excessive speed. She feels that a traffic light at N. East Avenue and Main Street would slow down traffic (somewhat) and make the area safer.

Vicki Zeigenfus, 135 N. East Avenue - Ms. Zeigenfus voiced concern that her property value will decrease if N. East Avenue is made one-way.

Don Hannas, 707 E. Main Street - Mr. Hannas stated that traffic at the intersection of E. Main Street and N. East Avenue is “brutal”. Many cars stopping to turn onto N. East Avenue have almost been rear-ended. A crosswalk is needed for the children traveling to/from school and to cross Main Street to the mall. Speed of the traffic is also a serious issue.

President George recapped the residents’ concern regarding speed, the need for crosswalks, and a traffic light at the intersection of N. East Avenue and Main Street. Even though it does not seem to be their primary concern, he asked for residents’ reactions to the possibility of prohibiting left turns off N. East Avenue (as it is difficult to see traffic coming from the east on Main Street). If a traffic light were installed, perhaps the traffic would slow down a bit prior to the intersection. He has requested that the Police Department “be more visible” in the area, however they can’t be there all the time.

The possibility of speed bumps or rumble strips was discussed. Kevin Grubbs noted that rumble strips would be a good suggestion, but there are pros and cons to them also (for example, they are very noisy). Several residents noted they would not be in favor of prohibiting left turns from N. East Avenue onto Main Street, as this would direct more traffic through Eastland Hills and it wouldn’t solve the problem with turning from Main Street onto N. East Avenue. “Jake” brakes were also discussed, but there are currently no Borough ordinances which prohibit their use.

Mr. George noted that the Street Committee will discuss this matter further, taking into consideration the input received at this meeting. Councilman Porter stated that, several years ago, Council was 100% in favor of installing a traffic light at N. East Avenue and Main Street. At that time, a light would have cost approximately $115,000. He is positive that costs for a light will be much higher now, due to inflation and the upcoming synchronization.

Mr. George presented correspondence received regarding this issue from Rod Cauffman, 208 Roadside Avenue. Mr. George read the letter, a copy of which is included herewith as a part of these minutes. (See attached).

He then thanked the public for their attendance and input. The meeting was closed at 7:12 p.m.

                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                Melinda S. Knott

                                                                Administrative Assistant