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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/12/1999 SC MinutesDirector Glen R. Andler Deputy Director Sean R Dorsey Village Engineer Jeffrey A. Wulbecker Administrative Assistant Dawn L. Wucki Solid Waste Coordinator M. Lisa Angell Water/Sewer Superintendent Roderick T. O'Donovan Streets/Buildings Superintendent Paul C. Sures Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Sandra M. Clark Vehicle/Equipment Superintendent James E. Guenther Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 Phone 847/670-5640 Fax 847/253-9377 TOO B47/392-1235 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 7:35 P.M. on Monday, July 12, 1999. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call: Chuck Bencic Commissioner Andy Mitchell Commissioner Phyllis Moliere Commissioner Mark Bonner Police Department Jeff Wulbecker Public Works/Engineering Division Matt Lawrie Public Works/Engineering Division Absent: Lee Beening Chairman Joan Bjork Commissioner Nancy Bobikewicz Commissioner Buz Livingston Fire Department Others in Attendance: See Attached List. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Commissioner Moliere, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Safety Commission held on June 14, 1999. The minutes were approved by a vote of 5-0. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. OLD BUSINESS No old business was discussed. N Recycled Paper - Printed with Soy Ink .%, NEW BUSINESS A) Request for Stop Signs at the Intersection of Forest Avenue and Bob -O -Link Road 1) Background Information Mr. Tim Doyle, 624 Bob -O -Link Road, is concerned for the children of the neighborhood. There are no sidewalks in the subdivision. Motorists cut through the subdivision to avoid the Kensington/Rand/Elmhurst intersection. He believes No Thru Traffic signs will eliminate the traffic cutting through the subdivision and Stop signs will cut down on the high rate of speed of motorists on Forest Avenue. Staff Observations: The Engineering Staff performed a traffic study. The findings are as follows: a) Accidents A search of the accident reports at the intersection indicated: Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 (June) Number of Accidents 0 0 0 0 0 0 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed on Forest north of Bob -O -Link, Forest south of Bob -O -Link and Bob -O -Link east of Forest between June 9`h and June 11'. The average speeds are follows: Northbound Forest 27 mph Southbound Forest 21 mph Westbound Bob -O -Link 26 mph The speed limits on Forest Avenue and Bob -O -Link Road are 20 mph. Based on the results, there does appear to be a slight speeding problem. C) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered in June. Based on the results, there are approximately 510 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 286 vehicles travel on Forest Avenue and 224 vehicles on Bob -O -Link Road. The maximum total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches for any eight hours during a recorded day was 295. d) Survey Results A total of 7 surveys were sent out in June 1999 to collect the residents' comments on this request. 2 surveys were returned to the Village. Both surveys favored Stop signs in order to slow down vehicles. 2 e) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: North: Park — no signs South: Forest & Bunting — uncontrolled East: Bob -O -Link & Prospect Manor — 2 -way Stop signs West: T -intersection — no signs f) Site Obstructions Based on a field inspection, sight obstructions exist at both the northeast and southeast corner of the intersection. This determination was based on the guidelines established by the Village Code. Letters will be sent to the homeowners requesting they trim the bushes that cause the sight obstruction. Should the homeowners not comply, the Village will remove the bushes that are located within the public right-of-way. Stop Signs: Stop signs are warranted when there are five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible of correction by Stop sign installation in a 12 -month period. Over the past five years, there have been no reported accidents. Stop signs are warranted when the minimum traffic volume entering the intersection from all approaches is 500 vehicles/hour for an eight hour period (500 x 8 = 4000 vehicles/8 hrs). The traffic volume at this intersection (295 vehicles/8 hrs) is approximately 7% of the Stop sign warrant. When the 85 -percentile approach speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicle volume warrant is 70% of the above requirements. The 85 -percentile approach speed on Forest Avenue is 31 mph. Stop signs are not warranted based on the accident history, traffic volume and speed study at the intersection. Yield Signs: The study has shown Stop signs are not warranted at the intersection. In order for Yield signs to be warranted, a special problem needs to be identified from a traffic study that would be susceptible to correction by use of the Yield sign. The Engineering Staff typically considers a minimum average of one accident per year over the past three years a criterion for Yield sign installation. There have been zero accidents over the past three years at the intersection. The characteristics of the intersection are unique. It is a T -intersection (no road west of the intersection). To the north, there is a small park. A majority of the traffic is northbound Forest turning east onto Bob -O -Link or westbound Bob -O -Link turning south onto Forest. Therefore, the potential for an accident at the intersection is minimal. 3 Many of the comments received from the residents related excessive speeding on Forest Avenue. To address this concern, selective police enforcement will be requested to monitor and control the motorists' speed on Forest Avenue. No Thru Traffic Signs: Approval of No Thru Traffic signs are not necessary from the Safety Commission. These signs are not enforceable by the Village Code but should help to deter motorists from cutting through the subdivision. The Engineering Staff supports this request. Signs will be placed at each of the entrance points to the subdivision. They will be installed on Forest, Prospect Manor and Elmhurst Avenue off of Kensington as well as on Prospect Manor off of Rand. Staff Recommendation: Stop Sign Request Because the intersection of Forest Avenue and Bob -O -Link Road does not meet any of the Stop Sign Warrants, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: Stop signs at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Bob -O -Link Road not be installed. Yield Sign Request Because there doesn't appear to exist a special problem that would be correctable by installing Yield signs, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: Yield signs at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Bob -O -Link Road not be installed. 2) Discussion Anastasia Doyle, 624 Bob -O -Link Road, explained there are no sidewalks in the subdivision which force residents to have to walk in the street. There is a lot of cut through traffic that speed in the subdivision. Many students from Prospect High School speed on Forest Avenue during the lunch hour. There have been many close calls and Stop signs should be installed to prevent an accident. Another resident stated that motorists avoid the Rand/Elmhurst/Kensington intersection because of the long delays. Also, Forest Avenue has no Stop signs therefore it is a quick cut through. The resident feels Stop signs would disperse the traffic throughout the subdivision since there will no longer be a quick route. Another resident stated that there are many motorists who do not stop at the Stop signs at Bob -0 - Link and Prospect Manor. Project Engineer Lawrie provided an overview of the traffic study that was performed at the intersection. The notification policy was also explained to the residents. Those homes that are within 200' of the intersection were sent a survey and notified of the meeting. 0 Project Engineer Lawrie discussed the accident history, recorded speed, recorded volume, site obstructions and resident survey results. He also explained the criteria established to determine whether Stop or Yield signs are warranted. Village Engineer Wulbecker explained how Stop signs do not necessarily slow down motorists. The vehicles may slow down or stop at the intersection, however, vehicles will tend to speed up midblock to make up time. As stated by a resident, vehicles now do not always stop at the intersection of Bob -O -Link and Prospect Manor where Stop signs currently exist. Village Engineer Wulbecker questioned whether motorists would obey a new Stop sign and whether a greater danger would be created. The assumption is that Stop signs will increase safety. This is not the case when the signs are not warranted. Project Engineer Lawrie continued providing the results of the traffic study. He also explained that Yield signs are not warranted at the intersection. The problem expressed by the residents and determined in the traffic study is the excessive speed along Forest Avenue. Project Engineer Lawrie recommended selective enforcement by the Police Department during the morning and evening rush hours as well the lunch hour during school days. Also, No Thru Traffic signs at all entry points to the subdivision may reduce the number of vehicles cutting through the subdivision. Project Engineer Lawrie discussed which addresses were sent surveys. Commissioner Bencic asked if there were any turn restrictions at any of the entry points to the subdivision. Commissioner Mitchell stated there is a restricted left turn from Prospect Manor onto Rand during specific times. A resident noted that motorists often disobey the sign. The Police Department will be asked to enforce the turn restriction. A resident asked if Children at Play signs could be installed near the park. Project Engineer Lawrie said he would support installation of these signs and will look into the appropriate location. A resident asked how the schedule for the police enforcement would be determined. Officer Bonner stated that the Police Department would want input from the residents to find out the times of the day when the speeding problem occurs. The police will able to patrol the area for a period of time and will eventually have to focus their attention on other parts of the Village. As time lapses and the speeding problem reoccurs, the residents need to call the Police Department again. A resident asked if there are warrants to install a Radar Enforced Speed Limit sign. The Village Engineer said that this issue would be discussed with the Police Chief to see if such a sign could be enforced and would be appropriate. A resident requested setting up the radar trailer at the beginning of the school year to help slow down motorists: The Police Department will consider using it once school resumes. A resident asked why Forest Avenue was opened up to Kensington Road many years ago. Commissioner Mitchell explained that it was beneficial for the Village's snow plowing operations and the Fire Department would have another access point to the subdivision. Village Engineer Wulbecker agreed with the reasons stated by Commissioner Mitchell. Commissioner S Mitchell stated that by opening up both Forest and Elmhurst the traffic is now dispersed throughout the subdivision. A resident asked if turn restrictions could be placed on Kensington to eliminate traffic on Forest during peak travel times. Village Engineer stated that by doing so the traffic would be moved to Prospect Manor and Elmhurst. Project Engineer Lawrie pointed out that restricting turns at all entry points would also prevent the residents of the subdivision from getting to their homes. Commissioner Mitchell said that he has no problem supporting Stop signs even though it doesn't meet the warrants. This is a local issue and supports anything that can be done to reduce the cut through traffic. Officer Bonner stated that it would be very difficult to enforce the No Thru Traffic signs since a patrol car cannot follow every vehicle that enters the subdivision. A resident asked if speed bumps could be installed to slow down motorists. Village Engineer Wulbecker explained that the Village has a policy against installing speed bumps. The Village would have a difficult time snow plowing the streets with speed bumps obstructing path. Also, if a vehicle were to have damage done as a result of going over the speeds bumps, regardless if the motorist was speeding, the Village could be held liable for creating an obstruction. The purpose of the road is to provide smooth traffic. Commissioner Moliere noted that a lot of ideas have been discussed and wanted to decide on what ideas would be implemented. The Commission talked about installing No Thru Traffic and Children at Play signs. Also, providing police enforcement and using the radar trailer would be good ideas. All these can be done the Engineering Staff without Safety Commission or Village Board approval. Project Engineer Lawrie summarized these ideas while recommending denial of Stop signs at both intersections that were studied. He stated that Staff supports the ideas discussed during the meeting. Commissioner Mitchell suggested performing another traffic study after school resumes to see if the signs and police enforcement have had any effect. Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Village Engineer Wulbecker, moved to deny installation of Stop signs at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Bob -O -Link Road as well as Forest Avenue and Albion Lane. However, he moved to approve installation of No Thru Traffic and Children at Play signs. Also, he moved to provide selective police enforcement and use of the radar trailer. Finally, he moved to perform another traffic study in the Fall and invite the residents back out if the results show the above recommendations have not slowed down the traffic. The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0. Commissioner Bencic questioned if those homes that have site obstructions have been contacted. Project Engineer Lawrie said no. Commissioner Bencic asked if the Engineering Staff would follow up with the homeowners in order to comply with the site obstruction ordinance. Project Engineer Lawrie stated that April's and June's Safety Commission recommendations have not yet been presented to the Village Board. 10 B) Request for Stop Signs at the Intersection of Forest Avenue and Albion Lane 1) Background Information Mr. Tim Doyle, 624 Bob -O -Link Road, is concerned for the children of the neighborhood. There are no sidewalks in the subdivision. Motorists cut through the subdivision to avoid the Kensington/Rand/Elmhurst intersection. He believes No Thru Traffic signs will eliminate the traffic cutting through the subdivision and Stop signs will cut down on the high rate of speed of motorists on Forest Avenue. Staff Observations: The Engineering Staff performed a traffic study. The findings are as follows: a) Accidents A search of the accident reports at the intersection indicated: Year 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 (June) Number of Accidents 0 0 0 0 0 0 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed on Forest south of Albion and on Albion east of Forest between June 15`h and June 17`x. The average speeds are follows: Northbound Forest 31 mph Southbound Forest 29 mph Westbound Albion 20 mph The speed limits on Forest Avenue and Albion Lane are 20 mph. Based on the results, there does appear to be a speeding problem on Forest Avenue. C) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered in June. Based on the results, there are approximately 420 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 400 vehicles travel on Forest Avenue and 20 vehicles on Albion Lane. The maximum total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches for any eight hours during a recorded day was 270. d) Survey Results A total of 8 surveys were sent out in June 1999 to collect the residents' comments on this request. 4 surveys were returned to the Village. 2 surveys favored and 2 surveys opposed Stop signs. 7 e) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: North: Forest & Bunting — uncontrolled South: Forest & Larkdale — uncontrolled East: Albion & Prospect Manor — uncontrolled West: T -intersection — no signs Existing traffic control signs in the area are shown on the attached map. D Site Obstructions Based on a field inspection, sight obstructions exist at both the northeast and southeast corner of the intersection. This determination was based on the guidelines established by the Village Code. Letters will be sent to the homeowners requesting they trim the bushes that cause the sight obstruction. Should the homeowners not comply, the Village will remove the bushes that are located within the public right-of-way. Stop Signs: Stop signs are warranted when there are five or more reported accidents of a type susceptible of correction by Stop sign installation in a 12 -month period. Over the past five years, there have been no reported accidents. Stop signs are warranted when the minimum traffic volume entering the intersection from all approaches is 500 vehicles/hour for an eight hour period (500 x 8 = 4000 vehicles/8 hrs). The traffic volume at this intersection (270 vehicles/8 hrs) is approximately 7% of the Stop sign warrant. When the 85 -percentile approach speed of the major street traffic exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicle volume warrant is 70% of the above requirements. The 85 -percentile approach speed on Forest Avenue is 37 mph. Stop signs are not warranted based on the accident history, traffic volume and speed study at the intersection. Yield Signs: The study has shown Stop signs are not warranted at the intersection. In order for Yield signs to be warranted, a special problem needs to be identified from a traffic study that would be susceptible to correction by use of the Yield sign. The Engineering Staff typically considers a minimum average of one accident per year over the past three years a criterion for Yield sign installation. There have been zero accidents over the past three years at the intersection. The characteristics of the intersection are unique. It is a T -intersection (no road west of the intersection). A majority of the traffic travels on Forest Avenue without turning onto Albion. Only 20 vehicles per day were recorded to approach the intersection on Albion. Since it is a T - intersection, vehicles on Albion slow down before turning onto Forest. Also, Albion is not a cut �m thru street, therefore, the residents are probably accustomed to approaching the intersection with caution. The potential for an accident at the intersection is minimal. Many of the comments received from the residents related excessive speeding on Forest Avenue. To address this concern, selective police enforcement will be requested to monitor and control the motorists' speed on Forest Avenue. No Thru Traffic Signs Approval of No Thru Traffic signs are not necessary from the Safety Commission. These signs are not enforceable by the Village Code but should help to deter motorists from cutting through the subdivision. The Engineering Staff supports this request. Signs will be placed at each of the entrance points to the subdivision. They will be installed on Forest, Prospect Manor and Elmhurst Avenue off of Kensington as well as on Prospect Manor off of Rand. Staff Recommendation: Ston Sizn Request Because the intersection of Forest Avenue and Albion Lane does not meet any of the Stop Sign Warrants, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: Stop signs at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Albion Lane not be installed. Yield Sign Request Because there doesn't appear to exist a special problem that would be correctable by installing Yield signs, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: Yield signs at the intersection of Forest Avenue and Albion Lane not be installed. 2) Discussion All discussion and Commission decisions have been stated in the previous item. Adjournment With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 5-0 to adjourn at 8:30 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Bencic. Village Engineer Wulbecker seconded the motion. x:\files\engineer\safecomm\traff c\recs&min\j ulyWmin.doc Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie Project Engineer U i r� NAME 613 rc�