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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/09/2015 TSC Minutes (Draft)ji Mount Prospe Director Sean P. Dorsey Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMISSION DRAFT CALL TO ORDER Deputy Director Jason H. Leib The regular meeting of the Mount Prospect Transportation Safety Commission was called to order at 7:04 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2015. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call: John Keane Chairman Robert Fisher Commissioner Justin Kuehlthau Commissioner Carol Tortorello Commissioner Bob Smith Police Department Representative Randy Uidl Fire Department Representative Jeff Wulbecker Public Works Department Representative Matt Lawrie Traffic Engineer —Staff Liaison Absent: Chuck Bencic Commissioner Others in Attendance: see attached attendance sheet APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Tortorello, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on December 8, 2014. The minutes were approved by a vote of 6-0. Battalion Chief Uidl abstained. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There was no one in attendance that spoke on an issue not on the agenda. TSC Meeting Page 1 of 7 February 9, 2015 OLD BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS A. LINCOLN STREET TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT 1) Background Information The Village Engineering Division and School District 57 have partnered over the years to improve traffic flow and enhance safety around the district's elementary and middle schools. In 2012 and 2013, the Village and school district held discussions to enhance student safety along Lincoln Street in front of Lincoln Middle School. Concerns with students crossing Lincoln Street prompted the school district to ask what improvements could be made to Lincoln Street. In late fall 2012, the Engineering Division gathered pedestrian counts at three key intersections along Lincoln Street: Wego Trail, Nawata Avenue and Candota Avenue. Even though it was not the peak time of year, results showed many students do walk/bike to and from Lincoln Middle School on a daily basis: Lincoln Street & Wego Trail Time # crossing Lincoln # crossing Wego 7:15-8:15AM 7 9 2:15-3:15PM 15 32 Lincoln Street & Nawata Avenue Time # crossing Lincoln # crossing Nawata 7:15-8:15AM 9 11 2:15-3:15PM 31 7 Lincoln Street & Candota Avenue Time # crossing Lincoln # crossing Candota 7:15-8:15AM 9 19 2:15-3:15PM 39 43 The Engineering Division used this data along with vehicular data gathered during the Neighborhood Traffic Study to determine if the street qualifies for traffic calming measures. The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program adopted in 2011 has specific criteria that must be met in order for a street to qualify for traffic calming measures. It takes into account vehicular volume & speed data, pedestrian data and crash history. Based on this information, the section of Lincoln Street in question does qualify for traffic calming measures but for only those types that target pedestrian safety. One type of measure that would not be considered for Lincoln Street is a speed hump as they are not permitted on collector streets. During discussions with the school district, a number of traffic calming measures were considered and in the end a combination of curb extensions (including sidewalk lengthening) or "bump outs", and pavement markings was the preferred solution. At Lincoln Street and Wego Trail, curb extensions would prevent vehicles from parking close to the intersection but more importantly increase compliance of the STOP signs on Lincoln Street. There have been 2 recorded crashes at this intersection over the past five years. In addition, the Village has TSC Meeting Page 2 of 7 February 9, 2015 received complaints about motorists rolling through the STOP signs on Lincoln Street. Curb extensions would allow the STOP signs to be moved more in line with the driver's view. Curb extensions were constructed at Prospect Avenue and William Street a few years ago because of similar complaints. Since then, we have witnessed a higher rate of compliance and not received further complaints. At Lincoln Street and Nawata Avenue, both existing crosswalks are 48' long. There haven't been any recorded crashes at this intersection over the past five years. With the proposed curb extensions, the crosswalks across Lincoln Street and Nawata Avenue would be 24' long and 32' long, respectively. Lincoln Street is uncontrolled at this intersection; therefore, students must use caution when crossing the street. To assist, a school staff person does serve as a crossing guard in the morning and afternoon. Curb extensions would reduce the crossing distance, reduce the time students are in the crosswalk, and allow waiting students to better see oncoming motorists (and vice -versa). Similar curb extensions were constructed at Burning Bush Lane and Burr Oak Drive in front of Indian Grove Elementary School several years ago. The school continues to support them and has said they have enhanced students' safety. At Lincoln Street and Candota Avenue, curb extensions would have similar benefits as the other intersections. The lengths of crosswalks would be reduced by 1/3 (48' long to 32' long) and the STOP signs on Lincoln Street would be repositioned to be more in line with the driver's view. There haven't been any recorded crashes at this intersection over the past five years. Pavement markings are also included in the proposal. Specifically, yellow centerline and white parking lines would be applied to distinguish the travel lanes and parking lanes. Pavement markings also serve to reduce the travel lane from 17' wide (where there are no parked vehicles) to a defined 11' wide. This narrowing is expected to reduce vehicle speeds along Lincoln Street. Yellow centerline and white parking lanes were applied to Lincoln Street between Busse Road and Meier Road a few years ago and average speeds were reduced by 2 mph. In addition to lane markings, existing crosswalks would remain to protect students crossing the streets. With the cooperation of the school, the Engineering Division performed a trial during a school day last fall. The Village placed cones on Lincoln Street to mimic the proposed curb and observed both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The trial did not create vehicular congestion, and both cars and buses easily negotiated the layout. Students using the crosswalks and crossing guards saw the benefits of narrowing the roadway. The Police Department reviewed the proposal and did not have any concerns. The Fire Department is reviewing the proposal to make sure the tower fire truck can negotiate turns at the intersections. Public Works crews are familiar with curb extensions and they have not shown to interfere with snow plowing or leaf pick-up operations. Should the proposal be approved by the Transportation Safety Commission and Village Board of Trustees, the Engineering Division would develop construction drawings. Work would start after the school year ends in June and be completed before the new school year in August. The project would be done as part of the Village's annual street resurfacing program. In addition to the construction of curb extensions, Lincoln Street between Wego Trail and Candota Avenue would be resurfaced with new asphalt. The estimated cost of the curb extensions is $45,000.00. If the traffic calming project is not approved, the street will still be resurfaced this summer with its current configuration. The proposal also affects on -street parking. Village Code prohibits parking along the north side of Lincoln Street between Seegwun Avenue and Candota Avenue. This affects the school and TSC Meeting Page 3 of 7 February 9, 2015 the first three properties west of the school. Currently, there are only four No Parking Any Time signs posted: one between Candota Avenue and the entrance to the turn -around, two between the turn -around driveways, and one between the turn -around exit and parking lot driveway. The school administration requests and the Engineering Division agrees that parking on the north side of Lincoln Street in front of the school should be limited or prohibited so as to not impact traffic during the drop-off and pick-up times. Parked vehicles may make it difficult for buses to enter/exit the parking lot and parents to exit the turn -around. Specifically, parking should be prohibited at all times for the section of Lincoln Street (north side) between the parking lot driveway and turn -around exit. Parking should be prohibited during the school day for the section of Lincoln Street (north side) between the turn -around exit and Candota Avenue. Further, the section of Lincoln Street (north side) between the turn -around driveways should also prohibit student drop-off and pick-up. This will help to limit the number of students crossing the turn -around driveways and will allow parents to have a clear view of Lincoln Street when exiting the turn -around. The section of Lincoln Street (north side) between Candota Avenue and the turn -around entrance can be used by the queue of parents waiting to enter the turn -around without impeding through traffic. Parking in front of the three properties west of the school does not impact the school and should be allowed for residents. Village Code also prohibits parking within 30' of a STOP sign and 20' of a marked crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection. The curb extensions along Lincoln Street at Wego Trail and Candota Avenue will not extend beyond 30' of the STOP signs. Therefore, a new parking ordinance is not required. However, both curb extensions along Lincoln Street at Nawata Avenue will extend beyond 20' from the marked crosswalk on Lincoln Street. A new ordinance for the north side of Lincoln Street is described in the preceding paragraph. Should the proposal be approved, a new ordinance for the south side of Lincoln Street will also need to be included in the Village Code. As part of the study, surveys were sent to the residents on Lincoln Street between Wego Trail and Candota Avenue as well as Lincoln Middle School and School District 57. 5 of the 18 mailed surveys were returned (28%). 3 surveys oppose the proposal over concerns it will create traffic congestion and is unnecessary. From the comments, though, it appears two households may not fully understand the scope of the project. 1 survey supports the proposal and 1 survey was indifferent. All five surveys returned were from Lincoln Street residents and not the school or district administration. The Engineering Division supports the proposal as it is designed to enhance students' safety and slow traffic along Lincoln Street. Similar projects have been completed in the Village and shown to be successful and meet the desired goals. The school and district administration also support the proposal. Construction can take place during the summer to avoid any disruption to the school. The existing parking ordinance for Lincoln Street should be deleted and replaced with an ordinance that better reflects the uses of the school, parents and residents. Recommendation: Approve the traffic calming project along Lincoln Street as proposed by the Engineering Division. Further, amend the Village Code as follows: 1. Delete the ordinance prohibiting parking along the north side of Lincoln Street between Seegwun Avenue and Candota Avenue. (Section 18.2006) 2. Enact an ordinance prohibiting stopping, standing, parking at all times along the north side of Lincoln Street between Nawata Avenue and 180' west. (Section 18.2005) 3. Enact an ordinance prohibiting stopping, standing, parking at all times along the south side of Lincoln Street between Nawata Avenue and 80' west. (Section 18.2005) TSC Meeting Page 4 of 7 February 9, 2015 4. Enact an ordinance prohibiting stopping, standing, parking from 7:00AM to 3:OOPM on school days along the north side of Lincoln Street between Nawata Avenue and 140' east. (Section 18.2009C) 5. Enact an ordinance prohibiting stopping, standing, parking from 7:OOAM to 3:OOPM on school days along the north side of Lincoln Street between Candota Avenue and 150' west (drop- off/pick-up zone). (Section 18.2009C) 2) Discussion Chairman Keane introduced the item and asked Traffic Engineer Lawrie to present the Engineering Division's report. Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided the Commission with background information and summarized the recommendations. Commissioner Fisher suggested to add marked crosswalks at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Wego Trail. He asked if the sidewalk on the south side of Lincoln Street continues west. Traffic Engineer responded it ends after the first property. There was discussion whether the sidewalk should be removed. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the Village typically doesn't remove sidewalk but it could be reviewed. Commander Smith suggested it be removed as it doesn't lead anywhere and could pose a safety concern. Chairman Keane asked if there have been any accidents along Lincoln Street involving students. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said he reviewed the crash reports over the past five years there have not been any recorded crashes during this time involving students. Village Engineer Wulbecker asked what the lane width will be for the travel lanes. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the width will be 11' for each travel lane, typical for a residential street. Commissioner Fisher asked if the Fire Department anticipates any issues with negotiating the curb extensions with their vehicles. Battalion Chief Uidl said no and Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded the Engineering Division reviewed the wheel patterns of their fire trucks to verify there would not be problems. Village Engineer Wulbecker noted the benefit to pedestrian safety by reducing the crossing distance at these crosswalks. The curb extensions in front of Indian Grove Elementary School have been in place for 10 years and continue to be supported by the school. Jason Kaiz, principal at Lincoln Middle School, noted that % of the students walk/bike to school. Lincoln Street is a wide roadway and can be difficult for students to cross. There are two adult crossing guards that assist students but changing the roadway will help slow traffic and make it safer for students. Mr. Kaiz expressed his support for the project. Howard Konieczka, 400 Nawata Avenue, expressed concern that students disobey the No Cell Phone Use signs and do not pay attention to the crossing guards or vehicles. He suggested the school remind students and parents not to use their cell phones around the school. He is concerned about speeding along Lincoln Street and is in favor of student safety. However, he is opposed to the project. If parents and students would obey the laws around the school, the problems would be resolved according to Mr. Konieczka. Commissioner Fisher suggested the school and PTA get the word out to parents to obey the laws. He asked if the Police Department can patrol the school during arrival and dismissal times at the school. Commander Smith said they can assign an officer as time permits to monitor traffic. He also explained the cell phone laws pertain to drivers in a moving vehicle. Students TSC Meeting Page 5 of 7 February 9, 2015 and parents in a parked vehicle or walking while on a cell phone are not in violation of the law. John Heidcamp, 400 Wego Trail, questioned the purpose of the curb extensions at Lincoln Street and Wego Trail. He is in favor of adding crosswalks at the intersection but would prefer not to have a curb extension in front of his house. He suggested a possible alternative of using hatching on the roadway to slow vehicles. Mr. Heidcamp also asked if drainage around the curb extensions has been looked at by the Village. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the curb extensions at Lincoln Street and Wego Trail are designed to create a greater STOP sign compliance rate. The Police Department and Engineering Division occasionally receive complaints about vehicles rolling through the STOP signs at this intersection. He explained the curb extensions would also benefit pedestrians crossing the street. He mentioned the curb extensions at this intersection were not the focus of discussions with the school and could be removed from the project without affecting student safety. Since the street was being resurfaced by the Village this year, it was opportunity to address another concern. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said construction drawings have not been completed but the Engineering Division will review the drainage as part of design. Dale Falk, Assistant Superintendent of School District 57, informed the audience that the school district works closely with the Police Department and Engineering Division on various traffic issues at all of their schools. Commissioner Tortorello agrees parents are often distracted when driving through school zones. She suggested adding more crossing guards at the school. She asked if there is an issue with vehicles waiting to turn into the turnaround during arrival and dismissal times, and causing a bottleneck on Lincoln Street. Mr. Kaiz responded that through traffic is able to get by and it is not a problem. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the school has a sign exiting the turnaround prohibiting left turns to minimize traffic in front of the school. There was general discussion about traffic along Lincoln Street and the drop-off and pick-up habits of parents in front of the school. Commissioner members agreed, based on the success of previous projects in the Village, that curb extensions would enhance student safety at Lincoln Middle School. Commissioner Fisher made a recommendation to support the Engineering Division's proposed traffic calming project along Lincoln Street and the associated parking regulation changes. Traffic Engineer Lawrie asked if he wanted to include any amendments to the recommendations. He did not. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tortorello. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. COMMISSION ISSUES Chairman Keane asked the status of the Millers Lane & Central Road recommendation from the last Commission meeting. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said it was presented to the Village Board at the January 20, 2015 Village Board Meeting and additional information was requested by the Trustees. It will be discussed again at the February 17, 2015 Village Board Meeting. Chairman Keane said he would attend the meeting. Chairman Keane let the Commission know a new member is expected to be announced by the Mayor in the near future. This will fill the vacancy currently on the Commission. TSC Meeting Page 6 of 7 February 9, 2015 Commissioner Tortorello asked if Lincoln Street near St. Raymond Church is scheduled to be resurfaced soon. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said he would find out and let her know. Commissioner Tortorello mentioned a Pace bus often will block eastbound Prospect Avenue near Route 83 waiting for commuters to board the bus. The bus will prevent vehicles from turning right onto Evergreen Avenue. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said he would look into it but it was also suggested Commissioner Tortorello speak with the Community Development Department about the issue. Commissioner Tortorello asked if the Police Department continues to provide crossing guard instruction to parent/teacher volunteers. Commander Smith said it is done on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Fisher asked if a Police drone vehicle could be used near Lincoln Middle School to assist with some of the concerns raised at the meeting tonight. Commander Smith said he would look to have one placed near 400 Nawata Avenue for a couple of days in the near future. Commissioner Kuehlthau has noticed motorists avoiding the traffic signal at Route 83 and Central Road, and using Henry Street and Wille Street. He said vehicles park on Wille Street close to Central Road making it difficult to turn onto and off of Wille Street. Commander Smith said he would look into the issue. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 7-0 to adjourn at 8:36 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Fisher. Commissioner Kuehlthau seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, '; Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\engineering\traffic\safety_commission\rets&mins\TSC-feb15min.docx TSC Meeting Page 7 of 7 February 9, 2015 VILLAGE OFMOUNT PROSPECT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET February 9, 2015 NAME ADDRESS PHONE NUMBER '"/ � d S • � Gf/i9 �OQ --f • lz a .sem 'PO C W !,, ',- -e-z v/t� C' Y