THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – Friday, January 11, 2019 Page 5 Chief Giorgetti says Saugus Police need a traffic enforcement unit By Mark E. Vogler I nterim Saugus Chief of Police Ronald Giorgetti is recommending additional funds in the town’s 2020 fiscal year budget so the Police Department can establish a traffic enforcement unit. “With a dedicated traffic unit, we could reduce the traffic accidents significantly,” Giorgetti said at Wednesday night’s selectmen’s meeting during a public hearing on a proposal to reduce speed limits on three major Saugus roads: Essex Street, Main Street and Lincoln Avenue. Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, a former Saugus police officer, has already said the Police Department needs to have its own traffic enforcement unit. While selectmen didn’t accept the chief’s recommendation to retain the current speed limits on the three welltraveled town roads, all members expressed support in giving him the resources he BACK | from page 2 proctor. Greenbaum holds a bachelor of science degree from Salem State College. Several of Greenbaum’s accomplishments when he worked for the City of Salem include the update and amendment of the Salem Board of Health’s body art regulations, organization and scheduling of an annual household hazardous waste day, and overseeing the organization and implementation of several H1N1 flu clinics during the 2009 pandemic. Search underway to replace Greenbaum The Town of Saugus posted an ad last Friday to begin the search for Greenbaum’s replacement. “This position plans, coordinates, and directs the public health programs and activities of the Town,” the ad notes. “Enforces public health laws and regulations. Reviews existing laws and regulations and works with governing bodies and policy-makers to update them as needed. Conducts enforcement activities. Coordinates notification of violations among other governmental agencies that enforce laws and regulations that protect the public’s health. “Conducts inspections of residential and commercial properties in accordance with state and local public needs to make the streets safer for pedestrians and riders. “I fully support the need for additional resources for traffic enforcement,” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Jeffrey Cicolini said. “I do believe we have to support our police any way we can,” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta said. Crabtree said the Department is constantly looking for state or federal grants that would enable the Police Department to hire additional officers – a necessity in order to do a better job on traffic enforcement. During Wednesday night’s hearing, Giorgetti recommended keeping the speed limits the same. “We continue to believe the speed limits are appropriately set,” Giorgetti said. “We suggest posting the speed limit signs on the streets in accordance with the speed limits that are in the Traffic Rules and Regulations and already approved by the state,” health laws and regulations. Jurisdiction includes, but is not limited to: housing, lead paint, food establishments, tobacco sales establishments, massage therapy establishments, septic haulers, rubbish haulers, swimming pools, summer camps, nuisances, and facilities that use or store hazardous materials. “Issues various licenses and permits based on application review, site inspections, and evaluation of the issues involved. Prepares related reports and records. “Applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health or related field, with at least 3-5 years of supervisory Public Health inspection experience.” Giorgetti wrote in a position statement he presented to selectmen. Giorgetti suggested that “transportation practitioners commonly refer to the “3 E” model “when seeking to address pedestrian and bicyclist safety concerns”: • Engineering changes to the roadway environment or operations (sidewalks, bike facilities, traffic signals) that affect the movement of pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users • Education – efforts made to educate pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers or other groups in order to raise awareness of a particular law, safety issue or behavior and motivate a change in attitude or behavior that will have a positive effect on safety • Enforcement – law enforcement agency efforts to promote compliance with laws, ordinances and regulations (speed limits, failure to yield, use of crosswalks, use of bicycle facilities). “Keep in mind that lowering the speed limit on main arteries will undoubtedly create more traffic congestion and will only succeed in reducing traffic collisions, personal injuries, facilities and property damage with the cooperation of the motoring public,” Giorgetti said. “Enforcement and education would be key components of any overall strategy to reduce injuries and property damage,” the chief said. “If the board chooses to lower the speed limit to 25 MPH, the department recommends the Town acquire the services of Traffic engineer/consultant to identify type of signs or signals, and location of signs or signals. The Department of Public Works would be responsible for procurement and installation of the appropriate signage.” SNOW BLOWER SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS Pickup/Delivery Available 781-289-6466 www.reverealuminumwindow.com We are proud to offer treatment options tailored specifically to you and your teeth in the most comprehensive, caring and relaxed setting. Come explore and build your healthy beautiful smile with us. On Route 1, inside Eastern Bank building 605 Broadway, #301 (3rd Saugus, MA 01906 Floor) www.BostonNorthDental.com 781-233-6844 • Restorative Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Implant Restorations • Zoom Whitening • Teeth in a Day - All on 6 • Invisalign • CEREC crowns (single visit crowns) • Root Canal Treatment Dr. Bhavisha Patel, Dr. Bruce Goldman, Dr. Priti Amlani and team
6 Publizr Home