HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/14/1998 SC MinutesDirector
Water/Sewer Superintendent
Gien R. AnCler
µAINTAIN
RoderickT 0Done,,an
Deputy Director
Streets/Buildings Superintendent
Sean P Dorsey
Paul C. Bu -es
Village Engineer
Forestry/Grounds Superintendent
Jeffrey A. Wulbecker
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Sandra M Clark
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Administrative Aide
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Vehicle/Equipment Superintendent
Dawn L. Wucki
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James E. Guenther
Solid Waste Coordinator
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M. Lisa Anoell
Mount Prospect
Public Works
Department
1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229
Rhone 1347/1370-5640 Fax B47/253-9377 TDD B47/392-1235
MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT
SAFETY COMMISSION
DRAFT
CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was calved to order at
7:30 P.M. on Monday, December 14, 1998.
ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, each Safety Commission Member introduced themselves to the audience.
Present upon roll call: Lee Beening
Chuck Bencic
Joan Bjork
Nancy Bobikewicz
Andy Mitchell
Phyllis Moliere
Ted Adamczyk
Paul Bures
Matt Lawrie
Absent: Buz Livingston
Others in Attendance:
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Police Department
Public Works
Public Works/Engineering Division
Fire Department
See Attached List
Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Bencic, moved to approve the
minutes of the regular meeting of the Safety Commission held on November 9, 1998.
The minutes were approved by a vote of 8-0.
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.
NEW BUSINESS
A) STOP/YIELD SIGNS REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF GEORGE STREET AND
BUSSE AVENUE
1) Background Information
Ms. Patty Wolfe, 117 S. George Street, is concerned for the safety of the residents and
would like to see traffic forced to slow down in the intersection. Many children live in the
area and the corner is a . bus stop for the schools in the area. Four accidents have
occurred at the intersections of George & Busse and George & Evergreen over the past
two years. Most of the residents are cautious in the area but the cut -through traffic and
visitors do not slow down at the intersection.
The Engineering Staff performed a traffic study. The findings are as follows:
a) Accidents
A search of the accident reports indicated:
Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
(Dec)
Number of
Accidents 0 1 0 0 1 2
b) Speed Study
Representative speed surveys were performed on George Street north of Busse
Avenue and on Busse Avenue east of George Street. The average speeds are
as follows:
Northbound George
26 mph
Southbound George
21 mph
Eastbound Busse
26 mph
Westbound Busse
22 mph
The speed limits on George Street and Busse Avenue are 25 mph. Based on the
results, there doesn't appear to be a speeding concern.
C) Traffic Volume
Traffic volume data was gathered in November. The minimum traffic volume
according to the Multi -Way Stop Sign Warrant is 500 vehicles/hour for an eight
hour period (500 x 8 = 4000 vehicles/8 hrs). The traffic volume at this
intersection (403 vehicles/8 hrs) is approximately 10% of the Stop sign warrant.
Based on the results, there are approximately 660 vehicles per day that enter the
2
intersection. 370 vehicles travel on George Street and 290 vehicles on Busse
Avenue.
d) Survey Results
A total of 20 surveys were sent out in November 1998 to collect and analyze the
resident's opinion on Stop signs. 14 surveys were returned to the Village. 14
residents favored and 0 residents were against Stop signs at George Street and
Busse Avenue.
e) Existing Traffic Control Signs
Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows:
George & Central (north) — Stop sign on George
George & Evergreen (south) — uncontrolled
Albert & Busse (east) — 2 -way Yield signs on Albert
Edward & Busse (west) — uncontrolled
f) Site Obstructions
Based on a field inspection, there doesn't appear to be a sight obstruction at the
intersection.
Staff Recommendation:
Stop Sign Request
Because the intersection of George Street and Busse Avenue does not meet any
of the Multi -Way Stop Sign Warrants,
The Village Traffic Engineer recommends:
Stop signs at the intersection of George Street and Busse Avenue not be
installed.
Yield Sign Request
To clarify the right-of-way at this intersection,
The Village Traffic Engineer recommends:
2 -way Yield signs on Busse Avenue at George Street be installed.
2) Discussion
Judy Paczko, 106 S. George Street, has noticed a lot of traffic in the area and knows
there is a lot of young children in the neighborhood. George & Busse is a bus stop and
has a lot of children being picked up and dropped off. She has witnessed a lot of
accidents and numerous close calls. Because of the traffic and concern for the children,
she would like to see either Stop or Yield signs at the intersection.
Don DeLassus, 22 S. Albert Street, lives at the northwest corner of Albert & Busse.
There are 2 -way Yield signs on Albert Street which he believes have little effect.
Vehicles travel down George Street at high speed and he has rarely seen a police car in
the area.
Roger Northrop, 14 S. George Street, recently witnessed an accident at the intersection.
There are very few intersections in the neighborhood that have either Stop or Yield
signs. Because there very few signs, many vehicles drive much faster through the
intersections.
Commissioner Beening shares in the residents' concern of trying to slow down vehicles
in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, there are not enough police officers to patrol every
intersection in the Village. Based on the discussion, selective enforcement at the
intersection could help slow down vehicles.
Officer Adamczyk suggested requesting selective enforcement during the morning and
afternoon rush hours.
Patty Wolfe, 117 S. George Street, stated that she and most of the residents in the area
use caution at every intersection. She believes it is mainly visitors who do not slow down
when traveling through the intersection.
Officer Adamczyk suggested that Stop signs are not always effective because they can
create additional problems. People often speed up after stopping at a Stop sign in order
to make up time. He realizes there are very few signs in the neighborhood and vehicles
ought to use caution. Many of the speeders and those in accidents live in the
neighborhood.
Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided an overview of what is involved in a traffic study. He
explained the purpose of the traffic counters is to count the number of vehicles as well as
the speed. He reviewed the accident history as well as the speed and volume statistics
for George & Busse. He explained Stop signs are warranted when there is a minimum of
4000 vehicles/day in any eight-hour period or five accidents in a given year. Most
residential intersections, including George & Busse, do not warrant Stop signs. Yield
signs are warranted when a problem can be identified and could be correctable by
installing Yield signs. In this case, the accident history shows that Yield signs could help
in reducing accidents at the intersection.
Mr. Northrop asked if there was any new traffic counters that are not easily seen
because vehicles tend to slow down over the road tubes. Traffic Engineer Lawrie noted
a new counter that looks like a small disk, however, the fact that they are not tied to a
tree or post may lead to theft. The counters that are being used are used throughout the
country.
Mr. Bures stated that whether Stop or Yield signs are installed, they will not guarantee no
more accidents. Often, when signs are installed at low volume intersections, motorists
do not expect a sign and go through the intersection without slowing down. Hopefully,
the sign will help to clarify the right-of-way.
Officer Adamczyk noted most of the accidents involved residents in the neighborhood.
4
Ms. Paczko stated her brother lives in Arlington Heights and the entire neighborhood has
Stop signs. Commissioner Beening explained that when a Village annexes a piece of
land, the current traffic control signs are left in place. There are also a lot of intersections
in the Village that do not have Stop or Yield signs.
Commissioner Bobikewicz suggested to the residents they accept Yield signs and see if
they are effective. If, after some time, there is still a problem, bring back new information
to the Commission.
Commissioner Bjork, seconded by Officer Adamczyk, moved to deny Stop signs
at the intersection of George Street and Busse Avenue.
The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0.
Commissioner Bencic asked for clarification on what road Yield signs are recommended
to be installed. Traffic Engineer Lawrie recommended Yield signs be installed on Busse
Avenue since it is the less traveled road. The more traveled road should be given the
right-of-way. He explained that if Yield signs were on the more traveled road, vehicles
get used to not seeing vehicles coming from the opposite direction and may learn to
eventually not slow down, which increases the chance for accidents.
Mr. Bures reiterated that the speed study did not reveal a speeding problem. Also, Stop
or Yield signs will not necessarily slow down traffic. Vehicles may speed at the mid -block
but the signs will help in reducing accidents by clarifying the right-of-way.
Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Mr. Bures, moved to approve Yield signs on
Busse Avenue at George Street.
The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0.
B) STOPNIELD SIGNS REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF GEORGE STREET AND
EVERGREEN AVENUE
1) Background Information
Ms. Patty Wolfe, 117 S. George Street, is concerned for the safety of the residents and
would like to see traffic forced to slow down in the intersection. Many children live in the
area and she is concerned for their safety. Four accidents have occurred at the
intersections of George & Busse and George & Evergreen over the past two years. Most
of the residents are cautious in the area but the cut -through traffic and visitors do not
slow down at the intersection.
The Engineering Staff performed a traffic study. The findings are as follows:
a) Accidents
3)
C)
UR
A search of the accident reports indicated:
Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
(Nov)
Number of
Accidents 0
Speed Study
0 0 0 1 0
Representative speed surveys were performed on George Street north of
Evergreen Avenue and on Evergreen Avenue east of George Street. The
average speeds are follows:
Northbound George
25 mph
Southbound George
21 mph
Eastbound Evergreen
26 mph
Westbound Evergreen
22 mph
The speed limits on George Street and Evergreen Avenue are 25 mph. Based
on the results, there doesn't appear to be a speeding concern.
Traffic Volume
Traffic volume data was gathered in November. The minimum traffic volume
according to the Multi -Way Stop Sign Warrant is 500 vehicles/hour for an eight
hour period (500 x 8 = 4000 vehicles/8 hrs). The traffic volume at this
intersection (391 vehicles/8 hrs) is approximately 10% of the Stop sign warrant.
Based on the results, there are approximately 620 vehicles per day that enter the
intersection. 370 vehicles travel on George Street and 250 vehicles on
Evergreen Avenue.
Survey Results
A total of 22 surveys were sent out in November 1998 to collect and analyze the
resident's opinion on Stop signs. 18 surveys were returned to the Village. 18
residents favored and 0 residents were against Stop signs at George Street and
Evergreen Avenue.
e) Existing Traffic Control Signs
Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows:
George & Busse (north) — uncontrolled
George & Milburn (south) — uncontrolled
Albert & Evergreen (east) — uncontrolled
Edward & Evergreen (west) — 2 -way Yield signs on Edward
I
0 Site Obstructions
Based on a field inspection, there does appear to be a small bush located at the
northwest corner of the intersection that may create a sight obstruction. The
bush is on private property, therefore, the Village can only request the owner to
trim or remove the bush. A letter has been sent to the owner at 122 S. George
Street requesting they eliminate the sight obstruction.
Staff Recommendation:
Stop Sign Request
Because the intersection of George Street and Evergreen Avenue does not meet
any of the Multi -Way Stop Sign Warrants,
The Village Traffic Engineer recommends:
Stop signs at the intersection of George Street and Evergreen Avenue 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 George Street and Evergreen Avenue not
be installed.
2) Discussion
No further input was provided by anyone in the audience.
Traffic Engineer Lawrie reviewed the accident history as well as the speed and volume
statistics for George & Evergreen. He explained Stop signs are warranted when there is
a minimum of 4000 vehicles/day in any eight-hour period or five accidents in a given
year. Based on the statistics, Stop signs are not warranted at George & Evergreen.
Yield signs are warranted when a problem can be identified and could be correctable by
installing Yield signs. In this case, a special problem was not identified that Yield signs
could help in correcting. Mr. Lawrie noted that a sight obstruction exists on the
northwest corner of the intersection and a letter would be sent to the owner requesting
they trim or remove the bush. The bush is on private property, therefore, the Village can
only request the bush be removed.
Commission Beening asked the location of speed limit signs along George Street. One
is located south of Central Road but unsure of other locations. It was suggested
installing another speed limit sign at the intersection to reiterate the speed limit. Traffic
Engineer Lawrie said he would review the locations of the speed limit signs in the area.
Traffic Engineer Lawrie suggested that if any new information could be provided by the
residents, please bring it back to the Commission for review.
Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Commissioner Bobikewicz, moved to deny
Stop signs at the intersection of George Street and Evergreen Avenue.
The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0.
Mr. Bures, seconded by Commissioner Moliere, moved to deny Yield signs at the
intersection of George Street and Evergreen Avenue.
The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0.
Adiournment
On behalf of the Village Board of Trustees, Traffic Engineer Lawrie thanked the
Commission members for their commitment to serving on the Commission during 1998.
Each member received a box of candy in appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 8-0 to adjourn at 8:35
p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Bjork. Commissioner Beening seconded the
motion.
x:\fileslengineer�safecommltraffic\recs&min\dec98min.doc
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew P. Lawrie
Project Engineer
11
VILLAGE OF ?MOUNT PROSPECT
SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING
ATTENDANCE SHEET
December 14, 1998
7:30 P.M.
NAME ADDRESS
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