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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3-26-26 Street Traffic Control Committee Meeting MinutesSTATE OF ALABAMA )( : COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( The Street & Traffic Control Committee met at 10:00 a.m., Delchamps Room 1, Civic Center, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 on Thursday, March 26, 2026 Present: Councilman Jack Burrell, Richard Johnson, Hunter Simmons, Mike Jeffries, Chief Stephanie Hollinghead, John Thomas, Mayor Sherry Sullivan, Aileen Warren, Patricia Havard; Natalie Fonseca took the minutes. The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. Minutes from the July 14, 2025, meeting were approved and submitted on a motion by Councilman Jack Burrell, seconded by Richard Johnson; none opposed. Mayor Sullivan requested a discussion about the first item on the agenda, which was the traffic study on Volanta Ave. Chief Hollinghead reported that 85% of the speeding was at 33 mph, with a maximum speed of 65 mph (one vehicle); the location does not meet the requirements for a four-way stop. Chief Hollinghead inquired as to whether the location was too close to N. Section St. to put a four-way stop with a lot of traffic, approximately 26,000 vehicles. She went onto state her concerns about a four-way stop backing up to the intersection at N Section St., which would cause additional traffic issues. Mayor Sullivan said her main concern is drivers coming over the hill with the sidewalk right next to the roadway. Chief Hollinghead mentioned adding more electronic speed signs for Volanta Ave. to the budget—possibly two or three more signs. Hunter Simmons mentioned the scope of the work for the Volanta Ave project at the intersection of US-98. Richard Johnson elaborated that the project extends to the crosswalk. Mr. Johnson discussed the intersection of Volanta Ave and N Section St, noting that the projects include drainage improvements, enhancing the area's aesthetics, and adding mast arm poles. Mr. Johnson stated the project will include guttering all the way to the hill going east and resurfacing the roadway. ALDOT has the project scheduled to start in August with the contractor mobilizing construction in October after high school football season ends. Mayor Sullivan mentioned looking at the sidewalks that go right next to the roadway on Volanta Ave from Bon Secour going down the hill. She asked John Thomas to consider improvements, maybe reflectors on the edge of the sidewalk instead of the edge of the road to avoid constant noise. The next topic was the Twin Beech corridor study which Richard Johnson said Neal Schaffer completed through an MPO grant. The study focused on roadway traffic functionality, specifically emphasizing the intersection of Twin Beech Rd, Founders and Booth Rd. Peak traffic occurs during school dismissal and arrival, with the high school contributing approximately [missing number] vehicles westbound at that intersection. The individuals conducting the study factored in a growth rate based on the last decade, but realistically the high school will reach a maximum size, requiring more schools to be built, given the current student population of approximately 1,400. The committee Streets & Traffic Control Committee Thursday, March 26, 2026 Page - 2 discussed options for the location. Alternate one, a four-way stop, is the least expensive-- which does solve a couple of problems, including allowing individuals to make a left turn from Boothe Rd or Founders Dr onto Twin Beech Rd, and providing a protected pedestrian crossing at the location. The alternative one solved problem for the north and south traffic but failed for the east and west traffic. Alternate two is a roundabout, similar in size and capacity at Twin Beech and County Road 13. Richard Johnson said the roundabout works for traffic but is not as pedestrian-friendly an option. Alternate three includes turn lanes and signalized control at the intersection with signals coordinated with pedestrian signals. This provides a very safe crossing and protected left turn for all users on Boothe Rd and Founders Dr. Alternate four looks at solving the entire corridor issue; it starts at Greeno Rd with a dedicated right-hand turn lane onto Twin Beech Rd., then on Twin Beech going westbound there is a dedicated right hand turn lane going onto Greeno Rd. with a well-designed crossing in advance of Pirate Dr. and carrying down to the entrance of Fairfield subdivision and Summer Lake providing turn lanes as well to keep traffic going through the queue. Alternatives two, three and four require widening the roadway and significant drainage upgrades for the intersection of Founders Dr., Boothe Rd and Twin Beech Rd. Mr. Johnson said drainage would cost the same as the road improvements for the project. He also said the county introduced the 30 Cubed Program, securing $30 million to fund 50/50 projects with member municipalities to solve traffic problems. Richard Johnson said he would recommend to the council to at least have a discussion on the 30 Cubed Program. Hunter Simmons mentioned the need for additional sidewalks near the storage units just west of the intersection at Founders Dr., Twin Beech Rd and Boothe Rd. The committee briefly discussed the utilities at that intersection. The committee recommended moving the Twin Beech corridor study to a work session, no motion needed, per Councilman Burrell. The first topic for new business was the request for sidewalks on N Ingleside St. The city received a Fairhope 311 notification requesting sidewalks; Richard Johnson requested the item be forwarded to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. The committee briefly discussed the topic. Chief Hollinghead said she would follow up with the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee regarding adding sidewalks on N Ingleside St. from Gayfer Ave. to Audubon Place, which would have to be budgeted. Hunter Simmons mentioned an undeveloped area where a nearby trail, used by residents to access the stadium, baseball fields, etc., filters to N Ingleside St., near Audubon Place. The next topic was large truck/semi-trucks entering the CBD and on side streets. Chief Hollinghead said the city has an ordinance regarding large trucks on certain roads, but it has become an issue because merchants cannot control when they receive deliveries or the size of the delivery trucks. Councilman Burrell stated the delivery companies need to be educated--with signage listed downtown. Chief Hollinghead said the topic has been discussed with the parking authority. There are designated loading and unloading zones in the CBD. Councilman Burrell mentioned ticketing the repeat offenders who do not adhere to the city ordinance. Chief Hollinghead said the easiest solution would be to have deliveries arrive before 10:00 AM or late at night; however, that won't be feasible for the merchants. The committee mentioned revising the city ordinance to include specific requirements. Councilman Burrell asked Public Works to develop a framework for additional designated loading/unloading zones in the CBD--currently three locations downtown. John Thomas mentioned restriping downtown would be difficult; however, he Streets & Traffic Control Committee Thursday, March 26, 2026 Page - 3 would look into Councilman Burrell's request. Chief Hollinghead mentioned taking the additional loading/unloading zone locations to a council work session. The next topic was White Ave and S Summit St.--request for a four-way stop sign at the intersection. Aileen Warren spoke to the committee about the constant speeding in front of her residence on White Ave. She has two young children and has lived in Fairhope since 2020. Ms. Warren stated that the intersection at White Ave. and Summit St is one of the only intersections in her neighborhood that is not a four way stop and people routinely speed through--east and west--right by her house. She said some drivers anticipate a four-way stop at the intersection. Chief Hollinghead said that she's already spoken to her team about conducting a traffic study for the location. Hunter Simmons said that generally, placing stop signs at every intersection isn't best practice; however, a traffic study will be completed for the intersection. Ms. Warren said that most of the speeding occurs in the morning or afternoon/evening. Councilman Burrell mentioned police presence in the area and traffic citations if warranted for drivers. John Thomas spoke about maintaining consistency for north/south and east/west travel with signage-- Richard Johnson spoke about laying out the grid in the Fruit & Nut District and maintaining consistency too. Councilman Burrell asked staff to investigate any mitigation methods that could be added in the area. Chief Hollinghead said she will proceed with the traffic study and then follow up with enforcement. Hunter Simmons and John Thomas also mentioned first responder routes. Councilman Burrell said the city will share the data with Ms. Warren. The next topic discussed was the intersection of Bishop Rd and Fairhope Ave-- Patricia Havard spoke to the committee about her concerns pertaining to the need for a four-way stop at the intersection. She said vehicles traveling along Bishop Rd cannot turn right or left onto Fairhope Ave. due to heavy traffic. Chief Hollinghead stated the location is a busy intersection; however, a four-way stop would probably not work. Councilman Burrell said the location is problematic, especially if someone is turning left onto Fairhope Ave. from Bishop Rd. The committee discussed the topic. Hunter Simmons said a four-way stop at the intersection of Bishop Rd. and Fairhope Ave. could cause issues with the major highways like County Road 13 and US-98, which would affect how the city manages traffic. Richard Johnson mentioned an older traffic study existed for the intersection and said he would find the information. Councilman Burrell said it's time for the city to address the intersection. The committee discussed the speed bump on Nichols Ave, near The Hope Farm. John Thomas said his crew can build it according to the design. Hunter Simmons made a motion to recommend revisiting the construction to comply with pedestrian access; seconded by Councilman Burrell, all in favor, none opposed. No motion to council is needed. The next topic was Fairhope Ave/Section St. & Fairhope Ave/Bancroft St. Councilman Gammon is inquiring about these intersections, which have a dedicated turn lane but lack a dedicated turning light (green arrow). The committee discussed the downtown intersection lights at these two locations. Councilman Burrell asked staff to investigate the cost of adding that function (a green arrow) to the intersection lights. He also asked staff to review the timing of the light controlling northbound and southbound traffic on N Section St. at Fairhope Ave. Richard Johnson said he would speak with Ben Patterson and Bagby & Russell Electric; no motion to council is needed, since the funds Streets & Traffic Control Committee Thursday, March 26, 2026 Page - 4 are already in the electric budget. Richard Johnson said he will reach out to the appropriate individuals for pricing on the intersection signal upgrade. Hunter Simmons made a motion to forward to council if needed if amount is over the allotted threshold to add left-turn lane signals; seconded by Councilman Burrell, all in favor, none opposed. The last topic was the request for a speed table near the Quail Creek clubhouse. Councilman Burrell asked for the required petition for the speed table request. Chief Hollinghead said she does not have a petition or traffic study for the location. Councilman Burrell asked that Mayor Sullivan request the individual(s) submit a petition. Chief Hollinghead said she would follow up with Mayor Sullivan. Chief Hollinghead discussed the frequency of the Street & Traffic Committee meetings throughout the year. She mentioned quarterly meetings, if possible, with all required individuals. Hunter Simmons mentioned having a Fire Department representative attend the committee meetings for first responders. Chief Hollinghead said she would speak to Chief Ellis. There being no further business to discuss the meeting was duly adjourned at 11:42 a.m. Respectfully Submitted by Natalie Fonseca Approved: 9/29/26