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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/1998 SC MinutesDirector Water/Sewer Superintendent Glen R. Andler MAINTAIN Roderick T O'Donovan Deputy Director Streets/Buildings Superintendent Sean P. Dorsey Paul C. Bures ... Village Engineer Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Jeffrey A. Wulbecker roe Sandra M. Clark Administrative Aide 0 It. \� Y QJ Vehicle/Equipment Superintendent Dawn L. Wucki k6 �y�' James E. Guenther Solid Waste Coordinator Qe M. Lisa Angell Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 Phone 847/670-5640 Fax 647/253-9377 TDD B47/392-1235 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, November 9, 1998. ROLL CALL Upon roll call, each Safety Commission Member introduced themselves to the audience. Present upon roll call: Chuck Bencic Joan Bjork Nancy Bobikewicz Andy Mitchell George Steiner Buz Livingston Paul Bures Matt Lawrie Absent: Lee Beening Phyllis Moliere Others in Attendance: APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Police Department Fire Department Public Works Public Works/Engineering Division Chairman Commissioner See Attached List Commissioner Bjork, seconded by Commissioner Bencic, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Safety Commission held on September 14, 1998. The minutes were approved by a vote of 7-0. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. 1 n.,......i...a o.,...... D..�.,r.�,-1 ..,;rk Q— Inl. OLD BUSINESS Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided an update to the Commission of a resident's request at the September Safety Commission Meeting regarding a No Left Turn sign blocking the railroad gate crossing light at Route 83 and Northwest Highway. The sign restricts turns into the train station parking lot. Mr. Lawrie has inspected the sign and it does appear that the sign should be relocated. He will be meeting with Mr. Bures this week to resolve this issue. A) YIELD SIGNS REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF SUNSET ROAD AND ELM STREET 1) Background Information Ms. Darlene Mortimer, 5 E. Sunset Road, nearly had a collision at the intersection while traveling east on Sunset Road. The other vehicle involved, heading north on Elm Street, entered the intersection without slowing down. She is concerned with the safety of the pedestrians and motorists. 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 (Nov) Number of Accidents 0 1 0 1 0 1 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed on Elm Street south of Sunset Road and on Sunset Road east of Elm Street. The 85th percentile speeds are as follows: Northbound Elm 29-30 mph Southbound Elm 29-30 mph Eastbound Sunset 31-32 mph Westbound Sunset 27-28 mph The speed limits on Elm Street and Sunset Road are 25 mph. Based on the results, there doesn't appear to be a speeding concern. 2 C) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered in October. Based on the results, there are approximately 350 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 200 vehicles travel on Sunset Road and 150 vehicles on Elm Street. d) Survey Results A total of 12 surveys were sent out in October 1998 to collect and analyze the resident's opinion. 8 surveys were returned to the Village. 6 residents favored and 2 residents were against Yield signs on Elm Street at Sunset Road. e) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: Elm & Lonnquist (north) — Stop sign on Elm Elm & Golf (south) — Stop sign on Elm Sunset & School (east) — 4 -way Stop signs Sunset & Maple (west) — 4 -way Stop signs f) Site Obstructions Based on a field inspection, an evergreen tree exists near the northwest corner of the intersection, close to the driveway. The branches extend to the ground which may make it difficult for eastbound traffic to see southbound traffic entering the intersection and vice versa. We cannot require trimming since the tree is on private property but can request per the site obstruction ordinance. A letter has been sent to the owner of 210 E. Sunset Road requesting the branches be trimmed to a minimum of six -feet above the ground. Staff Recommendation: The accident history over the past five years at the intersection and speeds along Sunset Road and Elm Street do not reveal a problem correctable by installing Yield signs. Because of these reasons, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: 2 -way Yield signs on Elm Street at Sunset Road not be installed. 3 2) Discussion Ms. Darlene Mortimer is concerned with potential accidents at both Elm Street and Owen Street at Sunset Road. Earlier this Spring, she was involved in two separate incidents where she was almost in an accident. Both times she was traveling on Sunset Road and occurred early in the morning. She believes there was additional traffic at the intersections with the Emerson Street bridge under reconstruction this Summer. Also, she believes vehicles are cutting through the subdivision at a high rate of speed in order to avoid the traffic light at Elmhurst Road and Golf Road. She explained she is requesting Yield signs to prevent future accidents. Traffic Engineer Lawrie gave an overview of the study that was performed at each of the intersections. Staff reviewed the accident history, traffic volume and speed, sight obstructions and opinions of the residents as part of the study. Mr. Lawrie presented the data collected for the intersection of Elm Street and Sunset Road. He explained that since the Village doesn't feel traffic control signs should be installed at every intersection, certain criteria must be met to install any traffic control sign. Mr. Lawrie stated that the Village looks for a minimum of 1500 vehicles per day that enter the intersection, one accident per year and/or a speeding problem in order to warrant Yield signs. Each intersection is independently reviewed and all these factors are taken into consideration. Based on the data collected, it was Mr. Lawrie's recommendation to deny Yield signs since none of the criteria was met. Commissioner Bjork supported the decision to deny Yield signs since because there are Stop signs at each adjacent intersection east and west of Elm Street. Commissioner Bjork, seconded by Commissioner Bobikewicz, moved to deny Yield signs on Elm Street at Sunset Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. B) YIELD SIGNS REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF SUNSET ROAD AND OWEN STREET 1) Background Information Ms. Darlene Mortimer, 5 E. Sunset Road, nearly had a collision at the intersection while traveling east on Sunset Road. The other vehicle involved, heading north on Owen Street, entered the intersection without slowing down. She is concerned with the safety of the pedestrians and motorists. n 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 (Nov) Number of Accidents 0 0 1 0 1 0 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed on Owen Street south of Sunset Road and on Sunset Road east of Owen Street. The 85th percentile speeds are follows: Northbound Owen 23-24 mph Southbound Owen 27-28 mph Eastbound Sunset 29-30 mph Westbound Sunset 25-26 mph The speed limits on Owen Street and Sunset Road 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 October. Based on the results, there are approximately 600 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 400 vehicles travel on Sunset Road and 200 vehicles on Owen Street. d) Survey Results A total of 16 surveys were sent out in October 1998 to collect and analyze the resident's opinion. 13 surveys were returned to the Village. 10 residents favored and 3 residents were against Yield signs on Owen Street at Sunset Road. e) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: Owen & Lonnquist (north) — uncontrolled Owen & Golf (south) — Stop sign on Owen Sunset & William (east) — 4 -way Stop signs Sunset & School (west) — 4 -way Stop signs 5 f) Site Obstructions Based on a field inspection, no sight obstructions appear to be present at the intersection. Staff Recommendation: W-091 I 61re '-• The accident history over the past five years at the intersection and speeds along Sunset Road and Owen Street do not reveal a problem correctable by installing Yield signs. Because of these reasons, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: 2 -way Yield signs on Owen Street at Sunset Road noA be installed. 2) Discussion Ms. Darlene Mortimer reiterated her concern which she stated during the previous item. Traffic Engineer Lawrie explained Staff reviewed the accident history, traffic volume and speed, sight obstructions and opinions of the residents as part of the study. Mr. Lawrie presented the data collected for the intersection of Owen Street and Sunset Road. The same criteria, as explained during the previous item, were used to determine whether Yield signs are warranted. Based on the data collected, it was Mr. Lawrie's recommendation to deny Yield signs since none of the criteria was met. Commissioner Mitchell said it was difficult to add another sign when the surrounding intersections have Stop signs unless there is a sight obstruction or frequent accidents. Ms. Mortimer said the intersection is wide open. Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Mr. Bures, moved to deny Yield signs on Owen Street at Sunset Road. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. C) YIELD SIGNS REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF FAIRVIEW AVENUE AND THAYER STREET 1) Background Information Mr. Ben Richards has expressed a concern that during the past few years traffic in the area has increased due to motorists travelling to and from Prospect High School, Fairview Elementary School and the Post Office. 0 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 (Nov) Number of Accidents 0 2 0 1 0 1 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed on Fairview Avenue south of Thayer Street and on Thayer Street east of Fairview. The 85th percentile speeds are follows: Northbound Fairview 29-30 mph Southbound Fairview 33-34 mph Eastbound Thayer 25-26 mph Westbound Thayer 27-28 mph The speed limits on Fairview Avenue and Thayer Street are 25 mph. Based on the results, there does appear to be a speeding concern along Fairview Avenue. Staff has requested the Police Department to perform selective speed enforcement along Fairview Avenue in order to reduce the speed of motorists. C) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered in July and again in September after school began. Based on the results, there are approximately 1700 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 1300 vehicles travel on Fairview Avenue and 400 vehicles on Thayer Street. d) Survey Results A total of 19 surveys were sent out in August 1998 to collect and analyze the resident's opinion. 13 surveys were returned to the Village. 11 residents favored Yield signs on Fairview Avenue at Thayer Street and 2 residents were against the request but in favor of Yield signs on Thayer Street at Fairview Avenue. 7 e) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: Fairview & Isabella (north) — 4 -way Stop signs Fairview & Henry (south) — Yield signs on Fairview Thayer & Prospect Manor (east) — Yield signs on Thayer Thayer & Forest (west) — uncontrolled f) Site Obstructions Based on a field inspection, no sight obstructions appear to be present at the intersection. Staff Recommendation: Because of the combination of the large amount of traffic and speed along Fairview Avenue and the accident history over the past five years at the intersection, Yield signs are recommended at the intersection. Since a majority of the motorists travel along Fairview Avenue, it would be preferable to install Yield signs on the less traveled street. Per the request made by the resident, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: 2 -way Yield signs on Fairview Avenue at Thayer Street not be installed. However, because of the above reasons, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: 2 -way Yield signs on Thayer Street at Fairview Avenue be installed. 2) Discussion Mr. Jerry Peterson received a resident survey a few months ago as part of the traffic study. He has heard three crashes at the intersection since living at his current house including one about three months ago. He stated that last week he saw a vehicle traveling south on Fairview Avenue at a high rate of speed. This could have been a serious accident if there was a vehicle on Thayer Street. Whenever he is on Thayer Street, he always yields before entering the intersection for safety reasons. Traffic Engineer Lawrie gave a history of the past few months since the request was made. The request was made back in June to consider installing Yield signs on Fairview Avenue at Thayer Street, on Eastwood Avenue at Thayer Street and on Wille E3 Street at Henry Street. Mr. Lawrie explained that Staff had performed a study on each of the intersections in August but based on the data felt that none of the intersections warranted Yield signs. Instead of presenting this information to the Commission, Staff decided to redo the study once school was back in session believing the traffic volume would be higher. Mr. Lawrie presented the data collected for the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Thayer Street. The same criteria, as explained during the previous items, were used to determine whether Yield signs are warranted. Mr. Lawrie explained the recorded speeds were significantly higher than the speed limit along Fairview Avenue and has requested the Police Department to provide selective enforcement. Also, the traffic volume data showed many more vehicles travel on Fairview Avenue over Thayer Street. Based on the data collected, it was Mr. Lawrie's recommendation to deny Yield signs on Fairview Avenue at Thayer Street but approve Yield signs on Thayer Street at Fairview Avenue because of the high speeds, traffic volume and four accidents over the past four years. Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Officer Steiner, moved to deny Yield signs on Fairview Avenue at Thayer Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Commissioner Bobikewicz, moved to approve Yield signs on Thayer Street at Fairview Avenue. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. D) YIELD SIGNS REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF EASTWOOD AVENUE AND THAYER STREET 1) Background Information Mr. Ben Richards has expressed a concern that during the past few years traffic in the area has increased due to motorists travelling to and from Prospect High School, Fairview Elementary School and the Post Office. 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 (Nov) Number of Accidents 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed on Eastwood Avenue south of Thayer Street and on Thayer Street east of Eastwood. The 85th percentile speeds are follows: Northbound Eastwood 23-24 mph Southbound Eastwood 27-28 mph Eastbound Thayer 27-28 mph Westbound Thayer 25-26 mph The speed limits on Eastwood Avenue and Thayer Street 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 July and again in September after school began. Based on the results, there are approximately 1100 vehicles per day that enter the intersection. 450 vehicles travel on Eastwood Avenue and 650 vehicles on Thayer Street. d) Survey Results A total of 20 surveys were sent out in August 1998 to collect and analyze the resident's opinion. 15 surveys were returned to the Village. 14 residents favored Yield signs on Eastwood Avenue at Thayer Street and 1 resident was against the request but in favor of Yield signs on Thayer Street at Eastwood Avenue. e) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: Eastwood & Isabella (north) — Yield signs on Isabella Eastwood & Henry (south) — Yield signs on Henry Thayer & Elmhurst (east) — Yield signs on Elmhurst Thayer & Prospect Manor (west) — Yield signs on Thayer f) Site Obstructions Based on a field inspection, an evergreen tree exists near the southwest corner of the intersection on private property. The branches extend to the ground which may make it difficult for eastbound traffic to see northbound traffic entering the intersection and vice versa. We cannot require trimming since the tree is on private property but can request per the site obstruction ordinance. A letter has been sent to the owner of 122 N. Eastwood Avenue requesting the branches be trimmed to a minimum of six -feet above the ground. W6 Staff Recommendation: 9 �-1--11T1� The accident history over the past five years at the intersection and speeds along Eastwood Avenue and Thayer Street do not reveal a problem correctable by installing Yield signs. Because of these reasons, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: 2 -way Yield signs on Eastwood Avenue at Thayer Street not be installed. 2) Discussion Notification was given to residents within 200' of this intersection, per the notification policy. However, no residents were present concerning this issue. Traffic Engineer Lawrie presented the data collected for the intersection of Eastwood Avenue and Thayer Street. The same criteria, as explained during the previous items, were used to determine whether Yield signs are warranted. Mr. Lawrie stated the intersection has only one recorded accident over the past five years and there doesn't appear to be a speeding concern. Based on the data collected, it was Mr. Lawrie's recommendation to deny Yield signs since none of the criteria was met. Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Mr. Bures, moved to deny Yield signs on Eastwood Avenue at Thayer Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. E) YIELD SIGNS REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF WILLE STREET AND HENRY STREET 1) Background Information Mr. Ben Richards has expressed a concern that during the past few years traffic in the area has increased due to motorists travelling to and from Prospect High School, Fairview Elementary School and the Post Office. 11 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 (Nov) Number of Accidents 0 1 1 1 1 1 b) Speed Study Representative speed surveys were performed on Wille Street south of Henry Street and on Henry Street east of Wille Street. The 85th percentile speeds are follows: Northbound Wille 25-26 mph Southbound Wille 27-28 mph Eastbound Henry 35-36 mph Westbound Henry 25-26 mph The speed limits on Wille Street and Henry Street are 25 mph. Based on the results, there does appear to be a speeding concern along Henry Street. Staff has requested the Police Department to perform selective speed enforcement along Henry Street in order to reduce the speed of motorists. C) Traffic Volume Traffic volume data was gathered in August and again in September after school began. Based on the results, there are approximately 1150 vehicles per day that enter the -intersection. 600 vehicles travel on Wille Street and 550 vehicles on Henry Street. Selective traffic volume statistics are attached. d) Survey Results A total of 20 surveys were sent out in August 1998 to collect and analyze the resident's opinion. 17 surveys were returned to the Village. 15 residents favored and 2 residents were against Yield signs on Wille Street at Henry Street. 12 e) Existing Traffic Control Signs Traffic control signs adjacent to the intersection are as follows: Wille & Thayer (north) — Yield signs on Wllle Wille & Central (south) — Stop signs on Wille Henry & Main (east) — Stop signs on Henry Main & Pine (west) — 4 -way Stop signs f) Site Obstructions Based on a field inspection, no sight obstructions appear to be present at the intersection. Staff Recommendation: The accident history over the past five years at the intersection may be correctable by installing Yield signs. Since the traffic volumes are similar for both Wille Street and Henry Street, it would be preferable to install Yield signs on Wille Street because of the higher speeds on Henry Street. Also, Henry Street between Pine Street and Main Street is a short distance. Therefore, it would not be desirable to control the traffic in this direction. Because of these reasons, The Village Traffic Engineer recommends: 2 -way Yield signs on Wille Street at Henry Street be installed. 2) Discussion Notification was given to residents within 200' of this intersection, per the notification policy. However, no residents were present concerning this issue. Traffic Engineer Lawrie presented the data collected for the intersection of Wille Street and Henry Street. The same criteria, as explained during the previous items, were used to determine whether Yield signs are warranted. Mr. Lawrie stated the intersection has five recorded accidents over the past five years and there does appear to be a speeding concern on Henry Street. The Police Department has been requested to provide selective enforcement along Henry Street to reduce the speeds of motorists. Based on the data collected, it was Mr. Lawrie's recommendation to approve Yields signs on Wille Street at Henry Street because of the accident history and speeding concern. Officer Steiner believes with the new bank open at Main Street and Henry Street, Yield signs would be a good idea since there will be additional traffic. 13 Officer Steiner, seconded by Commissioner Bobikewicz, moved to approve Yield signs on Wille Street at Henry Street. The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0. Adjournment With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 7-0 to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. upon the motion of Mr. Bures. Commissioner Bencic seconded the motion. x:\files\engineer\safecomm\traffic\recs8min\nov98min.doc Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie Project Engineer 14 VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET NOVEMBER 9, 1998 7:30 P.M. NAME ADDRESS PHONE NO. 5 zo z ,_,i//zLl