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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/10/2004 SC minutes Director Glen R. Andler Deputy Director Sean P. Dorsey Village Engineer Jeffrey A. Wulbecker Solid Waste Coordinator M. Lisa Angell Water/Sewer Superintendent Roderick T. O'Donovan Streets/Buildings Superintendent Paul C. Bures Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Sandra M. Clark VehiclelEquipment Superintendent James E. Guenther MCUNT PRCBPECT PUBLIC WCRKB DEPARTMENT 1 7ee W. CENTRAL ROAD, MOUNT PROSPECT, ILLINOIS 60IJ56-2229 PHONE 1347/870-5640 FAX 847/253-9377 TOD 847/392-1235 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION DRAFT CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:05 p.m. on Monday, May 10, 2004. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call: Chuck Bendc John Keane Susan Arndt Joan Bjork Carol Tortorello Mike Etemo Paul Bures Matt Lawrie Absent: Kevin Grouwinkel Buz Livingston Others in Attendance: See attached list. APPROY AL OF MINUTES Chairman Vice Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Police Department Pub1ic Works Pub1ic Works/Engineering Division Commissioner Fire Department Commissioner Keane, seconded by Commissioner Bjork, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting ofthe Safety Commission held on December 8,2003. The minutes were approved by a vote of7-0. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS A) TRAFFIC STUDY AT THE INTERSECTION OF I-OKA A VENUE & EVERGREEN AVENUE 1) Background Infonnation The existing Yield signs on I-Oka Avenue at Evergreen Avenue were installed in 1974. Concerns raised by residents regarding recent accidents have prompted Staff to review the issue. 2) Staff Study The Engineering Staff performed a traffic study. The findings are as foHows: a) Accidents A search ofthe accident reports indicated: Year 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Number of Accidents 2 2 0 1 1 0 0 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed at all four legs ofthe intersection between April 20th and 23m. The average and 85111 percentile speeds are as follows: Northbound I~Oka Avenue Southbound I-Oka Avenue Eastbound Evergreen A venue Westbound Evergreen Avenue average 23 mph 24 mph 24 mph 25 mph 85!h% 28 mph 29 mph 29 mph 29 mph The speed limit on I-Oka Avenue and Evergreen Avenue is unposted and, therefore, 30mph per the Hlinois Vehicie Code. Based on the results, there doesn't appear to be an overall speeding problem. However, the data did show some motorists did drive above the speed limit as is evident on most residential streets. c) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered between April 20111 and 23rd. Based on the results, there are approximately 1450 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 950 vehicles travel on Evergreen Avenue and 500 vehicles on I-Oka Avenue. The peak hour of the day (typically 5pm-6pm) experiences approximately 120 vehicles that enter the intersection. d) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: I-Oka Avenue & Busse Avenue (north) - Yield signs on Busse I-Oka A venue & Milburn Avenue (south) - 4-way Stop signs Elmhurst Avenue & Evergreen Avenue (east) - 2-way Stop signs on Evergreen Hi-Lusi Avenue & Evergreen Avenue (west) - 2-way Stop signs on Hi-Lusi e) Sight Obstructions Based on an inspection of the area, the southeast comer has a large evergreen tree and the northeast comer has a couple of small evergreen trees close to the intersection. The lowest branches are at ground level and, therefore, the trees would qualify per Vil1age Code as a sight obstruction for motorists (all 7 recorded accidents over the past few years involved a northbound vehicle and westbound vehicle). Since this intersection currently has Yield signs on I-Oka A venue, the safe approach speed on this street should be greater than 15mph. This means as a vehicle is slowing down when it approaches the Yield sign, the motorist should have sufficient visibility to not have to slow down to lower than 15mph in order to decide whether he/she can proceed or needs to stop for cross traffic. If the safe approach speed is lower than 15mph, Stop signs should be considered. The evergreen tree limits the visibility for a northbound motorist such that the vehicle must trave1less than 15mph in order to make a safe decision. In September 2001, a letter was sent to the homeowner requesting trimming of the tree as a result of complaints by residents. Since the tree is on private property, the Village cannot require any action. The homeowner chose to not have the tree trimmed and, therefore, Staff decided to review the signage at the intersection. 3) Recommendations 4-Way Stop Signs 4-way Stop signs are normally warranted at intersections where there is a significant amount of vehicles and pedestrians, many accidents, or severely restricted view. They are typicaUyplaced at the intersection of two collector streets or two minor arterial streets. I-Oka Avenue and Evergreen Avenue are classified as local streets. The peak hour of the day experiences approximately 120 vehicles entering the intersection. In order to meet the criterion according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) is to average 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of the day and 200 vehicles per hour for the same 8 hours from the minor street approaches. Therefore, it does not meet the volume criterion. There have been 7 recorded accidents over the past 7 years. In order to meet the criterion for a multiway stop sign instaUation according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, there is to be 5 accidents in a 12-month period. Therefore, it does not meet the accident criterion. Based on an inspection ofthe intersection, the southeast and northeast comers have landscaping that appears to limit the visibility for motorists to see vehicles on the cross street. While the trees are considered a sight obstruction per the Village Code regulations, Staff would not qualify the intersection as having a "severely restricted view" where it would necessitate motorists to have to stop in aU four directions. Based on the data collected in the traffic study, Staff does not believe 4-way Stop signs are appropriate at this intersection. 2-Wav Stop Signs 2-way Stop signs are normally warranted at intersections where the criteria for a 4-way Stop sign installation is not met but where a fun stop is necessary at all times on one street in order to clarify the right-of-way. 2-way Stop signs are typically installed on the minor street which, in this case, would be I-Oka Avenue. As stated above, there is an evergreen tree located near the southeast comer ofthe intersection. When considering 2-way Stop or Yield signs, typical engineering practice is to determine the safe approach speed for the direction to be controlled. If a motorist must slow down to lower than 15mph when approaching an intersection because of a sight obstruction, Stop signs should be considered rather than Yield signs. Else, an uncontrolled intersection or Yield signs should be considered. For this case, the evergreen tree fans within the area that is to be free of any sight obstructions for an eastbound motorist traveling at 15mph. Either the sight obstruction must be removed or 2-way Stop signs should be considered. The accident history shows that this tree was probably a contributing factor all of the recorded accidents over the past seven years. Since the sight obstruction remains after an attempt to have the tree trimmed and the safe approach speed for northbound motorists is less than 15mph. Staffbe1ieves 2~way Stop signs would be a more appropriate control than Yield signs. Also, when the average daily volume exceeds approximately 1500 vehicles, Yield signs may not be the most effective traffic control strategy. Based on the traffic study perfoITned by Staff, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: removal ofVield signs on I-Oka Avenue at Evergreen Avenue and install Stop signs on I-Oka Avenue at Evergreen Avenue. 4) Discussion Chairman Bencic opened up the discussion to the audience. Ms. Lynda McGarry, 120 S. I-Oka Avenue, and Ms. Christine Eyles, 121 S. I-Oka A venue, both expressed concern with recent accidents at this intersection and would like to see Stop signs installed. Chairman Bende asked the Commission if there were any questions from the Commission. There were none. Chairman Bencic asked that Traffic Engineer Lawrie provide a briefoverview of Staff's report to the Commission. Traffic Engineer Lawrie explained the results of the study and Staff's recommendation to instaU Stop signs on I-Oka Avenue. Commissioner Keane,seeonded by Commissioner TortoreHo, moved to approve the recommendations of the ViUage Traffic Engineer and approve Stop signs on I-Oka Avenue at Evergreen Avenue. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. B) TRAFFIC STUDY AT THE INTERSECTION OF PROSPECT MANOR AVENUE & MEMORY LANE 1) Background Infonnation The existing Yield signs on Memory Lane at Prospect Manor Avenue were installed in 1983. Concerns raised by residents regarding recent accidents have prompted Staff to review the issue. 2) Staff Study The Engineering Staff performed a traffic study. The findings are as follows: a) Accidents A search of the accident reports indicated: Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 (April) Number of Accidents 0 2 0 0 2 0 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed at an four legs of the intersection between April 13\11 and 16\11. The average and 851h percentile speeds are as follows: Northbound Prospect Manor Avenue Southbound Prospect Manor Avenue Eastbound Memory Lane Westbound Memory Lane average 27 mph 28 mph 23 mph 25 mph 851"% 32 mph 33 mph 27 mph 30 mph The speed limit on Prospect Manor A venue and Memory Lane is 25mph. Based on the results, there doesn't appear to be an overall speeding problem. However, the data did show some motorists did drive above the speed limit, particularly on Prospect Manor A venue, as is evident on most residential streets. c) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered between April 13 lit and 161h. Based on the results, there are approximately 1150 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 775 vehicles travel on Prospect Manor Avenue and 375 vehicles on Memory Lane. The peak hour of the day (typically 3pm-4pm) experiences approximately 120 vehicles that enter the intersection. d) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: Prospect Manor Avenue & Highland Street (north) ~ 4-way Stop signs Prospect Manor Avenue & Gregory Street (south) ~ 2-way Stop signs on Prospect Manor Eastwood A venue & Memory Lane (east) ~ Yield signs on Eastwood Fairview Avenue & Memory Lane (west) - 2-way Stop signs on Memory e) Sight Obstructions Based on an inspection of the area, the southwest comer has landscaping (evergreen trees) close to the intersection. The lowest branches are at ground level and, therefore, ("1e trees would qualify per Village Code as a sight obstruction for motorists (3 of the 4 accidents involved a southbound vehicle and westbound vehicle). Since this intersection currently has Yield signs on Memory Lane, the safe approach speed on this street should be greater than 15mph. This means as a vehicle is slowing down when it approaches the Yield sign, the motorist should have sufficient visibility to not have to slow down to lower than 15mph in order to decide whether he/she can proceed or needs to stop for cross traffic. If the safe approach speed is lower than lSmph, Stop signs should be considered. The evergreen tree limits the visibility for an eastbound motorist such that the vehicle must travel less than lSmph in order to make a safe decision. In January 2000 and June 2003, letters were sent to the homeowner requesting trimming of the tree as a result of complaints by residents. Since the tree is on private property, the Village cannot require any action. Attempts to have the tree trimmed have been unsuccessful, therefore, Staff decided to review the signage at the intersection, 3) Recommendations 4-Way Stop Signs 4-way Stop signs are normally warranted at intersections where there is a significant amount of vehicles and pedestrians, many accidents, or severely restricted view. They are typically placed at the intersection of two coUector streets or two minor arterial streets. Prospect Manor A venue and Memory Lane are classified as local streets. The peak hour ofthe day experiences approximately 120 vehicles entering the intersection, In order to meet the criterion according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) is to average 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of the day and 200 vehicles per hour for the same 8 hours from the minor street approaches, Therefore, it does not meet the volume criterion. There have been 4 recorded accidents over the past 4 years. In order to meet the criterion for a multi way stop sign installation according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, there is to be 5 accidents in a 12-month period. Therefore, it does not meet the accident criterion, Based on an inspection of the intersection, only the southwest corner has landscaping that appears to limit the visibiiity for motorists to see vehicles on the cross street. While the landscaping is considered a sight obstruction perthe Village Code regulations, Staff would not qualify the intersection as having a "severely restricted view" where it would necessitate motorists to have to stop in all four directions. Based on the data collected inthe traffic study, Staff does not believe 4-way Stop signs are appropriate at this intersection. 2-Wav Stop Signs 2-way Stop signs are normally warranted at intersections where the criteria for a 4~way Stop sign instaUation is not met but where a full stop is necessary at all times on one street in order to clarify the right-of-way. 2-way Stop signs are typically installed on the minor street which, in this case, would be Memory Lane. As stated above, there are evergreen trees located near the southwest comer of the intersection. When considering 2-way Stop or Yield signs, typical engineering practice is to determine the safe approach speed for.the direction to be controlled, If a motorist must slow down to lower than 15mph when approaching an intersection because of a sight obstruction, Stop signs should be considered rather than Yield signs. Else, an uncontrolled intersection or Yield signs should be considered. For this case, the evergreen trees fall within the area that is to be free of any sight obstructions for an eastbound motorist traveling at 15mph. Either the sight obstruction must be removed or 2-way Stop signs should be considered. The accident history shows that this tree was probably a contributing factor to three accidents over the past four years. Since the sight obstruction remains after two attempts to have the tree trimmed and the safe approach speed for eastbound motorists is less than 15mph, Staffbelieves 2-way Stop signs would be a more appropriate control than Yield signs. Based on the traffic study performed by Staff, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: removal ofVield signs on Memory Lane at Prospect Manor Avenue and install Stop signs on Memory Lane at Prospect Manor A venue. 4) Discussion There was no one in the audience to speak on this issue. Chairman Bencic asked that Traffic Engineer Lawrie provide a brief overview of Staff's report to the Commission. Traffic Engineer Lawrie explained the results ofthe study and Stafrs recommendation to install Stop signs on Memory Lane. Commissioner Tortorello asked ¡fthe homeowner had been asked to trim the trees to remove the sight obstruction. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said that two previous letters had been sent to the homeowner but that he has chosen to not trim the evergreen trees. Commissioner Tortorello, seconded by Commissioner Keane, moved to approve the recommendations of the ViIIage Traffic Engineer and approve Stop signs on Memory Lane at Prospect Manor Avenue. The motion was approved by a vote 0(7-0. C) TRAFFIC STUDY AT THE INTERSECTION OF FAIR VIEW AVENUE & lŒ1\,'R Y STREET 1) Background Information The existing Yield signs on Fairview Avenue at Henry Street were installed in 1987. Previous to this the Yield signs were on Henry Street Concerns raised by residents regarding recent accidents have prompted Staff to review the issue. 2) Staff Study The Engineering Staff performed a traffic study. The findings are as follows: a) Accidents A search of the accident reports indicated: Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 (April) Number of Accidents 3 3 2 0 2 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed at aU four legs ofthe intersection between April 61h and 9th. The average and 85th percentile speeds are as follows: Northbound Fairview Avenue Southbound Fairview A venue Eastbound Henry Street Westbound Henry Street average 20 mph 28 mph 21 mph 22 mph 8Sth% 24 mph 33 mph 25 mph 26 rnph The speed limit on Fairview Avenue and Henry Street is 25mph. Based on the results, there doesn't appear to be an overall speeding problem. However, the data did show some motorists did drive above the speed limit, particularly southbound Fairview Avenue traffic, as is evident on most residential streets. c) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered between Apri16th and 9th. Based on the results, there are approximately 1950 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 1250 vehicles travel on Fairview Avenue and 700 vehicles on Henry Street. The peak hour of the day (typically 7am- 8am) experiences approximately 200 vehicles that enter the intersection. d) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as foHows: Fairview Avenue & Thayer Street (north) - Yield signs on Thayer Fairview Avenue & Northwest Highway (south) - Stop sign on Fairview Prospect Manor Avenue & Henry Street (east) - 4-way Stop signs Forest Avenue & Henry Street (west) - Stop sign on Henry e) Sight Obstructions Based on an inspection of the area, the northwest corner has landscaping (bush) close to the intersection and a couple of evergreen trees located near the house. The bush is taller than three feet and, therefore, would qualify per Village Code as a sight obstruction for motorists. The combination of the bush and evergreen trees provides a small window for motorists on southbound Fairview Avenue to see eastbound vehicles (4 of the 11 accidents involved a southbound vehicle and eastbound vehicle). Since this intersection currently has Yield signs on Fairview Avenue, the safe approach speed on this street should be greater than 15mph. This means as a vehicle is slowing down when it approaches the Yield sign, the motorist should have sufficient visibility to not have to slow down to lower than 15mph in order to decide whether he/she can proceed or needs to stop for cross traffic. If the safe approach speed is lower than 15mph, Stop signs should be considered. The attached map shows that the bush limits the visibility for a southbound motorist such that the vehicle must travel less than 15mph in order to make a safe decision. 3) Recommendations 4~Way Stop Signs 4-way Stop signs are nonnally warranted at intersections where there is a significant amount of vehicles and pedestrians, many accidents, or severely restricted view. They are typically placed at the intersection of two collector streets or two minor arterial streets. Fairview Avenue and Henry Street are classified as local streets. The peak hour of the day experiences approximately 200 vehicles entering the intersection. In order to meet the criterion according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the volume entering the intersection from the major street approaches (total of both approaches) is to average 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of the day and 200 vehicles per hour for the same 8 hours ITom the minor street approaches. Therefore, it does not meet the volume criterion. There have been 11 recorded accidents over the past 5 years. In order to meet the criterion for a multi way stop sign instaUation according to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, there is to be 5 accidents in a 12~month period. Between September 1999 and September 2000 there were 5 accidents. While the criterion has been met, Staff believes a significant factor to the accidents is a high rate of disobedience of the Yield signs since they are placed on the major street (Fairview Avenue) rather than the minor street (Henry Street). Based on an inspection ofthe intersection, only the northwest corner has landscaping that appears to limit the visibility for motorists to see vehicles on the cross street. While the landscaping is considered a sight obstruction per the Village Code regulations, Staff would not qualify the intersection as having a "severely restricted view" where it would necessitate motorists to have to stop in all four directions. Based on the data collected in the traffic study, Staff does not believe 4-way Stop signs are appropriate at this intersection. 2-Way Stop Signs 2-way Stop signs are normally warranted at intersections where the criteria for a 4-way Stop sign installation is not met but where a full stop is necessary at all times on one street in order to clarify the right-of-way. 2-way Stop signs are typically installed on the minor street which, in this case, would be Henry Street. As stated above, there is landscaping at the northwest comer ofthe intersection. When considering 2-way Stop or Yield signs, typical engineering practice is to determine the safe approach speed for the direction to be controlled. If a motorist must slow down to lower than 15mph when approaching an intersection because of a sight obstruction, Stop signs should be considered rather than Yield signs. Else, an uncontrolled intersection or Yield signs should be considered. For this case, the bush falls within the area that is to be free of any sight obstructions for an eastbound motorist traveling at 15mph. Either the sight obstruction must be removed or 2-way Stop signs should be considered. The accident history shows that the landscaping may have been a contributing factor to some of the accidents. The Engineering Staff could work with the homeowner to trim or remove the bush thatis considered a sight obstruction. While this may have an affect on improvingJhe sight distance for motorists, Staff believes the more significant factors. in this case are the number of daily vehicles entering the intersection and the accident history. When the average daily volume .exceeds approximately 1500 vehicles, Yield signs may not be the most effective traffic. control strategy. With an average of over two recorded accidents per year over the past five years, this appears to be the case. Staff believes 2- way Stop signs would be a more. appropriate control. than Yield signs given the daily volume and accident history. According to the Village Board Minutes . from October 6, 1987, it appears the Yield signs were relocated from Henry Street onto Fairview A venue to control speeding. Stop and Yield signs are no longer considered an effective way to control a speeding problem but rather should be used to clarify the right-of-way when the nonnal right-of-way rule is not operating satisfactorily. To improve safety for motorists entering the intersection, the traffic control devices (Stop or Yield signs) should be placed on the minor street To address a speeding concern, assistance from the Police Department to enforce the speed limit would be a more appropriate approach. Based on the traffic study performed by Staff, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: removal of Yield signs on Fairview A venue at Henry Street and install Stop signs on Henry Street at Fairview A venue. 4) Discussion Chairman Bencic opened up the discussion to the audience. Mr. Steve Gajewski, 103 N. Fairview A venue, shared that last month he was a pedestrian crossing Henry Street and was struck by a westbound car. He is in favor of Stop signs at the intersection because many cars drive at an excessive speed through the intersection. Chairman Bencic asked the Commission if there were any questions from the Commission. There were none. Chainnan Bencic asked that Traffic Engineer Lawrie provide a brief overview of Staff s report to the Commission. Traffic Engineer Lawrie explained the results of the study and Staff's recommendation to install Stop signs on Henry Street Officer Etemo asked the resident if there was a particular time of the day where the speeding was more prevalent The resident said 7 -9am and 4-6pm was the most common. Officer Etemo stated the Police Department would be willing to use the Radar Trailer and patrol officers to address the speeding concern. Mr. Gajewski asked if crosswalks would be painted atthe intersection. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the Village policy is to install crosswalks near parks, schools and the downtown area where there is a high concentration of pedestrians. Commissioner Keane and Chairman Bencic commented that they would prefer to see the Stop signs installed on Fairview Avenue. If the Stop signs were installed on Henry Street, there would be five consecutive blocks where cars on Henry Street would be stopped. Also, there was a concern with drivers having to adjust to signs on the opposite street. There was further discussion on the appropriate street to instaU the signs. Traffic Engineer La\\TÍe commented that because the volume on Fairview A venue was two times higher than on Henry Street, typical practice is to install signs on the minor street. Also, as observed by Staff and even Mr. Gajewski, many drivers do not obey the current signs on Fairview Avenue. Officer Eterno commented that he believed Stop signs on Fairview A venue would be more appropriate to avoid consecutive Stop signs on Henry Street. There was some discussion about Staff developing a program to review traffic control devices at all intersections in the Village. This may be a future Committee-of-the Whole item. Commissioner Tortorello, seconded by Commissioner Keane, moved to go against the recommendations of the Village Traffic Engineer and approve Stop signs on Fairview Avenue at Henry Street. The motion was approved by II vote of 7-0. COMMISSION ISSUES Commissioner Tortorello asked that Staffinvestigate a sight obstruction at the northeast comer ofWa-Pella Avenue and Lincoln Street. No other Safety Commission items were brought forth at this time. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 7-0 to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Tortorello. Commission Keane seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, . / JtO.J , ./}v' ~~ Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer x: \en gineerin g\ traffi c \sa fecomm \recs& mi n \mayO4 mi n. doc