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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/13/1998 SC MinutesDirector Chairman Water/Sewer Superintendent Glen R. Andler HAIHTAIN Roderick I O'Donovan Deputy Director Commissioner Streets/Buildings Superintendent Sean R Dorsey �. Paul C. Bures Village Engineer Police Department Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Sandra M. Clark Jeffrey A. Wulbecker n 9 c .e.., Public Works/Engineering Division Absent: Nancy Bobikewicz (►O Q Others in Attendance: Administrative Aide Z �• (J Vehicle/Equipment Superintendent Dawn L. Wucki If! �y4 James E. Guenther Solid Waste Coordinator CC M. Lisa Angell Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 Phone 847/870-5640 Fax e47/253-9377 TOO e47/392-1235 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION I. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:40 P.M. on Monday, April 13, 1998. II. ROLL CALL Upon roll call, the Safety Commission members introduced themselves to the audience. Present upon roll call: Lee Beening Chairman Chuck Bencic Commissioner Joan Bjork Commissioner Andy Mitchell Commissioner Phyllis Moliere Commissioner Buzz Livingston Fire Department Ted Adamczyk Police Department Paul Bures Public Works/Streets Division Jeff Wulbecker Public Works/Engineering Division Absent: Nancy Bobikewicz Commissioner Others in Attendance: See attached list. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Bencic, moved to approve the Midutes of the Regular Meeting of the Safety Commission held on December 8, 1997. The Minutes were approved by a vote of 8- 0. IV. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. 1 V. OLD BUSINESS None VI. NEW BUSINESS A) Parking Restrictions on Prospect Manor Avenue from Northwest Highway to Henry Street and on Walnut Street from Ridge Avenue to Prospect Manor Avenue. 1) Background Information Ms. Jill Swanson, 412 W. Walnut Street, requested parking restrictions on Manor Avenue and Walnut Street. She maintains that overflow parking from the customers and employees of businesses along Northwest Highway utilize both sides of Prospect Manor Avenue and Walnut Street. This has created a difficult situation for cars traveling on Prospect Manor and Walnut. This has the effect of reducing these streets to one lane of traffic. Residents with driveways have a difficult time backing out of their driveways because of the locations of the parked cars. 2) Discussion Mr. Stanley Kania of 513 W. Henry, corner of Prospect Manor Avenue, referenced a letter sent by Engineering that indicated plans for banning parking completely on Henry. He is very much opposed to that, stating that he could consider alternate parking or two- hour parking during workdays, with these restrictions relaxed on week -ends. He is concerned about accessibility to his home for wheelchair-bound persons who would have to park a block away. Mr. William Annen of 801 S. Elm Street, builder and agent for the property occupied by Baird & Warner and by Sophie's, reminded the Commission that we are trying to entice business people to come into our village and build up the downtown business area to compete with Randhurst and (with business areas) at Busse Rd. & Route 58. The parking bans being discussed would support killing Mount Prospect's downtown area, not keeping it alive. Ken Olsen, Store Manager of J.C. Licht Co. at 500 W. Northwest Highway, stated that his business (paint store) has been at the same location for the past 40 years and they've never had a problem. He has 13 employees; 7 are in the building at any one particular time. Two-hour parking doesn't do him any good. With the parking bans being discussed, his customers would potentially have to carry four of five buckets of paint for a distance of a block ... it doesn't work. Jill Swanson, 412 W. Walnut Street (on the corner, right behind J.C. Licht), stated the reasons she has requested the parking bans: Her driveway is regularly blocked by - vehicles whose drivers are customers of the businesses on Northwest Highway. On two occasions, her garbage wasn't picked up. Her guests are forced to park several blocks from her home. Parking near her home on Saturdays is not possible from 7 in the morning until 7 at night. On one occasion, she's had to call the police because a vehicle parked partially on her apron prevented her from getting her van out of her driveway; the police were not able to do anything for her, telling her that she'll just have to wait for them to leave. Also, business employees regularly walk across her lawn and throw garbage out of their cars; when approached, they claim they don't speak English. She told everyone present that she doesn't insist on a total parking ban, she just wants a solution that will allow her to be able to get out of her driveway. Chairman Beening stated that he drove Walnut Street last Thursday and noted parking on both sides of the street. He pointed out that something has to be done to address this situation, that residents and businesses both pay taxes, and they must work together for a solution. He then asked the Police Department representative to address safety hazards in the area. Ted Adamczyk of the Police Department responded that his department could do nothing about the vehicles that block access to Ms. Swanson's driveway. He then addressed the audience stating that turning onto Prospect Manor off of Northwest Highway and from Walnut onto Prospect Manor is difficult, especially for fire engines and ambulances; parked cars on both sides of the street leave little room for maneuvering any vehicles. Ms. Swanson then reiterated that she doesn't want to drive any businesses out of the area, she supports these businesses, she shops at Sophie's and at J.C. Licht's. She just moved into Mount Prospect last year and doesn't want to be the "bad guy." Brian L. Weinberg, owner of Suburban Printing at 510 W. Northwest Highway, suggested getting rid of "that stupid island'; it would eliminate a traffic hazard and facilitate emergency vehicles turning onto Prospect Manor. Discussion followed on parking configurations and problems with speeding on various streets in Mount Prospect. Brian Weinberg took the floor stating that the problem is not employees' parking. There is little parking available for employees, let alone customers. These businesses have invested thousands of dollars in property and pay many thousands in property taxes. These parking problems are driving businesses out of Mount Prospect. The relocation place (Baird & Warner) is moving out of Mount Prospect at the end of the month. The Prospect Catering building (512 W. Northwest Highway) has been vacant for 1-1/2 years. We need to have parking for our employees if we are to run our businesses; employees can't be expected to jostle their cars around every 2 hours (if a 2 -hour parking limit is imposed). Buzz Livingston of the Fire Department explained that a 100' ladder truck is taken on all fire calls; the body of the fire engine is 8' wide, 9' with the mirrors and railing. It is very important that they have at least 10' of space to maneuver their equipment, which is a problem when there are cars parked on both sides of the street; the island on Prospect Manor is also a problem to maneuver around. They sometimes have to drive around the block to answer a fire call. Mr. Armen asked W. Wulbecker about utilities under the island and what it would cost (roughly) to remove the island; Mr. Wulbecker estimated roughly about 520,000. Mr. Weinberg asked about parking on Prospect Manor if the island were to be removed. He reiterated that parking must not be banned on both sides of the street; his customers would then have to park on the next block, and residents there would then complain if these cars are parked in front of their homes. Parking must be allowed at least on one side of the street; his customers are in and out in 10 to 15 minutes. Chairman Beening reminded Mr. Weinberg that the proposed ban on both sides of the street on Prospect Manor involves only the block north of Northwest Highway: More discussion followed on removing the island and about the narrow width of Walnut Street. Mr. Weinberg said he could live with one -side parking if the island's gone and his customers still had somewhere close relative to his store to park. Chairman Beening asked Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker for his assessment of the situation. Mr. Wulbecker responded that the Engineering staff investigated the situation. Their findings are as follows: a) Prospect Manor Avenue between Northwest highway and Walnut Street has a 12` wide median which separates two 15' wide lanes of pavement. Cars of customers and employees of the businesses along Northwest Highway use this section to park. Some vehicles consistently park here all day, while others park for short durations. Some vehicles have been observed parking over the curb and on the parkway to allow enough room for through traffic. Because of the narrow pavement lane width, parked cars leave less than a typical lane width (12') for traffic to operate in. Prospect Manor Avenue between Walnut Street and Henry Street is 22` wide. Cars associated with the businesses also park along both sides of this section of street. This causes difficult passage for vehicles, especially emergency vehicles. b) Cars also park along both sides of Walnut. However, cars are mostly observed parking along the south side of Walnut. The north side of the street is single-family residential, while the south side of the street is office and medical use. Cars parked on both sides of Walnut Street reduce it to. a one lane road. This creates difficulty for emergency vehicle access. Residents also have a difficult time backing out of driveways. c) Summary: In areas where businesses and residences must coexist, the needs and desires of each conflict. This conflict is often seen in the battle over use of the public streets. The Village must prioritize the goals for the use of these streets. Of utmost importance is the necessity to provide access for emergency vehicles and general traffic. Next is the accessibility to property directly adjacent to the street. And finally to provide as much parking as is reasonably possible for the property owners (residential and business). Emergency Vehicle Access: Parking restrictions are necessary on both sides of Prospect Manor between Northwest Highway and Walnut Street but only on one side of Prospect Manor between Walnut and Henry and on one side of Walnut between Ridge and Prospect Manor to provide access. Private Property Access: Parking restrictions on one side of Prospect Manor and on one side of Walnut would provide enough room for access. Parking: Parking can be maximized by allowing it on the south side of Walnut and on the east side of Prospect Manor north of Walnut. Parking could be allowdd on one side of Prospect Manor south of Walnut if the island was removed. However, no Village funding is currently available for this work. Chairman Beening again invited comments from the audience Mr. Weinberg asked if the recommendations were set before the meeting - before everyone had a chance to voice their opinion, then restated his desire to remove the island. He suggested that Village funds should be reappropriated for this, and then allow parking on one side of Prospect on the block just north of Northwest Highway. Chairman Beening stated that the Safety Commission recommendation was not determined before this meeting, but to be decided at this meeting. He asked Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker to explain the results of the resident survey. Mr. Wulbecker explained that his department had sent out a total of 15 surveys to collect and analyze residents' opinions. 15 surveys were returned to the Village, and results were as follows: (1) Parking Restrictions for Prospect Manor Avenue: 8 residents favored and 7 residents were against the proposed parking restriction. (2) Parking Restrictions for Walnut Street: 8 residents favored and 7 residents were against the proposed parking restriction. By a slight majority, those responding to the survey favored the parking restrictions. In general, the residents favored the parking restrictions and the businesses opposed the restrictions. Commissioner Bencic asked Buzz Livingston of the Fire Department what would be their major route when they need to come into this area; would they come north on Prospect? Captain Livingston answered that, in an emergency, they probably would enter Prospect Manor Avenue northbound from Northwest Highway. Chairman Beening then stated the Village Engineer's recommendations to the Commission: No Parking at any time for the following streets: Both sides of Prospect Manor Avenue between Northwest Highway and Walnut Street. The west side of Prospect Manor Avenue between Walnut Street and Henry Street. The north side of Walnut Street between Ridge Avenue and Prospect Manor Avenue. A lengthy discussion of the recommendations followed, and Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker stated that the Safety Commission's recommendations would be brought before the Village Board on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 PM at the Senior Center. Anyone not agreeing with these recommendations may offer other suggestions at that time. Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner.Bencic, moved to recommend removal of the center island from Prospect Manor Avenue and, once the island is removed, to review the parking situation. The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0: Mr. Annen suggested that he might have enough space for diagonal parking (if the island were removed) in front of his property. After discussing the issue with the Village Engineer, it was concluded that the configuration wouldn't work, because there isn't enough space. Chuck Bencic suggested that the recommendation should be amended to include a parking ban on Prospect Manor north of Walnut Street and on Walnut Street, and recommend that only the east side of Prospect Manor Avenue between Northwest Highway and Walnut Street be restricted to no parking at any time. More discussion followed on removal of the island to remove a hazard, especially for emergency vehicles. Paul Bures of the Public Works Department pointed out that the major issue here is safety. Now that the problem with the island has become a major safety issue, we are legally responsible to act on it. Chairman Beening asked for a recommendation from the Commission. Commissioner Bencic said it would be more beneficial if we addressed the parking with one recommendation, and the island with another recommendation. Two separate motions have a better chance. Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Bjork, moved that a recommendation be made to remove the island on Prospect Manor Avenue between Walnut Street and Northwest Highway. The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0. . Chairman Beening asked for the second recommendation, to approve: • No parking on the west side of Prospect Manor between Walnut and Henry • No parking on Walnut Street between Prospect Manor and Ridge on the north side • On the east side of Prospect Manor between Walnut and N.W. Hwy., there will be no parking. • On the west side on Prospect Manor between Walnut and N.W. Hwy., there will be parking. The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0. B) PARKING RESTRICTION REQUEST ON ASPEN DRIVE AND ONE WAY STREET DESIGNATION 1) Background Information Mr. John Nielsen of 1812 Aspen Drive requested: No Stopping, Standing or Parking on the west side of Aspen Drive between Maya Lane and Aztec Lane from 8 to 9:30 A.M. and from 3 to 4 P.M. Northbound One -Way Street Designation on Aspen Drive between Maya Lane and Aztec Lane at all times. 2) Staff Observations: Aspen Drive is 26` wide between Maya Lane and Aztec Lane. The west side of the street is single family residential. On the east side of the street is Aspen Trails Park (River Trails Park District), Robert Frost School (North) and four single family residences north of the school. Cars associated with the school park along both sides of this section of street, causing difficult passage for vehicles, including emergency vehicles. Traffic is very congested and in conflict during the morning and evening pick-up hours. The school has recently submitted plans for a building addition and parking lot expansion. The Village and the school are working together to provide as much parking as possible within those improvements. These restrictions have been discussed with the school principal who has indicated that he is in favor of these changes. The Park District has also responded in Favor of these changes. 3) Discussion Mr. Nielsen summarized the conditions that led to his request, stating that overflow parking from Robert Frost (North) School staff members utilize Aspen Drive. In addition student pick-up and drop-off operations take place on Aspen Drive for parents. During beginning and end of school, vehicles are parked on both sides of Aspen Drive. This constricts traffic to one lane, causing many near miss accidents. This also makes it extremely difficult for an emergency vehicle to access this block. Parents picking up children often turn around andpark in residents' driveways, causing great inconvenience to the residents. Mr. Nielsen restated the recommendations he and his wife proposed: a) Make Aspen Drive a one-way street northbound, or ban southbound entry into Aspen Drive between 8 and 9 AM and between 3 and 4 PM on school days. b) Post signs indicating no parking, standing or stopping between 8 and 9 AM and between 3 and 4 PM on school days in front of all Aspen Drive residences. c) Provide adequate off-street parking for all school -associated personnel. This must be addressed by School District 21. d) Have the Mount Prospect police strictly enforce these regulations. Mr. Nielsen also suggested that implementation be accomplished before the start of the new school term. Mr. Gregg Crocker, principal of -the school, said that the residents on the block will have to make some sacrifices for the safety of their neighborhood and the school is anxious to work with them to ensure that safety. He said that School District 21 has a plan for an addition that would also increase parking capacity in the school parking lot. Mr. Nielson suggested staggered dismissal times for the 70 to 80 students that are part of a supervised after-school program between 3:30 and 6 PM. He said something needs to be done by the School District to address the traffic hazards caused when these children are picked up in the evening. Mr. William Mahrenholz of 1804 Aspen Drive, said that he and his wife support the Nielsens 100%. They are also inconvenienced by the traffic snarls before and after school activities, but their biggest concern is for the safety of the children. Principal Crocker again stated his willingness to work with the residents and pointed out that the proposed 52 million addition should pick up between 20 and 30 additional parking spaces, a far cry from what is needed, but they are out of space. He said that currently none of the children walk home anymore; all are either bussed or being picked up by cars. Discussion followed regarding traffic problems and safety hazards around the school during drop-off and pick-up tunes and additional parking problems caused by other _ activities held at the school. It was pointed out that, considering the circumstances, the Police do an incredibly good job directing traffic around the school. Mr. Nielsen said that traffic ordinances should be enforced with citations. He then asked Ted Adamczyk of the Police Department about traffic and parking problems at other schools in Mount Prospect. Mr. Adamczyk said that these problems are typical and his department doesn't have enough manpower to enforce restrictions during all peak periods. Mr. Nielsen brought up the issue of one-way traffic restrictions on a part-time basis. Chairman Beening replied that such an arrangement would be too confusing for the residents. Chairman Beening pointed out that the Commission's focus is to protect the children and come up with recommendations to all the'concems of the residents at the same time. Mr. Nielsen then asked if it would be better to make the restrictions full-time. Chairman Beening replied yes, and the audience indicated that they agreed. Robert Beutlich of 1802 Aspen Drive then said that we failed to mention that we have a problem every so often at night. When there are evening school functions and cars are parked on both sides of the street, it makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to access the area. Discussion followed on part-time and full-time parking restrictions. Chairman Beening then reported on the Engineering staffs survey as follows: A total of 22 surveys were sent out to collect and analyze the resident's opinion. 14 surveys were returned to the Village. a) Parking Restrictions for Aspen Drive: 12 residents favored and 1 resident was against the proposed parking restriction. . One resident did not vote on this issue. b) One -Way designation of Aspen Drive: 7 residents favored and 5 residents were against the one-way designation. One other resident did not vote on this issue. Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker explained that the parking restrictions for Aspen Drive were for designated peak periods only; the one-way designation would be at all times. Discussion followed on the proposed restrictions for Aspen Drive. Chairman Beening pointed out that these recommendations are not set in stone; that if they don't work, we can make another recommendation, but we have to start somewhere. He then asked Village Engineer Jeff Wulbecker to comment. Mr. Wulbecker said that restricting parking on the west side of the street is necessary to provide emergency vehicle access during peak times during the school day. The One - Way street designation would help to provide order for traffic, creating a flow from south to north which would eliminate turning around in the driveways. Residents commented however that it would also inconvenience them. Some suggested imposing the One -Way designation only during certain hours (8 to 9:30 A.M. / 12 to 1 P.M. / 3 to 4 P.M.). In general, staff does not support restrictions such as this which might create confusion for motorists and are more difficult to enforce. However this type of designation has been used in other parts of the Village and around other schools with some degree of success. Staff would prefer the one-way designation at all times, especially if the residents support it. Chairman Beening asked Principal Crocker about construction dates for the school addition and could these recommendations (if passed) be abolished following the construction. Mr. Crocker said construction is scheduled to begin on June 8 and be completed at the end of this year; there is no intent to abolish the proposed restrictions. Discussion followed and Chairman Beening asked Mr. Wulbecker for his recommendation. Mr. Wulbecker said staff recommends: • No Stopping, Standing or Parking on the west side of Aspen Drive between Maya Lane and Aztec Lane from 8 to 9:30 A.M. and from 3 to 4 P.M. • Designate Aspen Drive between Maya Lane and Aztec Lane One -Way Northbound at all times. The audience discussed safety and enforceability of other options, but indicated agreement with the recommendations. Chairman Beening asked for a motion. Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Bjork, moved to concur with the Village Engineer's recommendations. . The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0. Mr. Nielsen asked Chairman Beening if he recommends attendance at the Village Board meeting. Chairman Beening encouraged attendance, and asked Mr. Wulbecker to send notices to everyone about the April 21 meeting. Mr. Adamczyk of the Police Department suggested that the school send notices about the restrictions (if passed) home with the schoolchildren. VII. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 8-0 to adjourn at 9:25 PM., upon the motion of Commissioner Mitchell. Commissioner Moliere seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Trudy Deutschmann Public Works Secretary /td attach. x:\files\fronto ff\enginrngWn98 apr. doc VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET April 13, 1998 NAME ADDRESS L, c O �/. 6S i 11 �L�I�nsrn,_ z cj.L�- VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET April 13, 1998 NAME ADDRESS �N