HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/26/2005 COW mintues
MINUTES
SPECIAL
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE/SAFETY COMMISSION
WORKSHOP
APRIL 26, 2005
I.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m., in the Village Board Room of Village Hall,
50 South Emerson Street, by Mayor Gerald Farley. Present at the meeting were:
Trustees Timothy Corcoran, Paul Hoefert, Richard Lohrstorfer, Michaele Skowron,
Irvana Wilks and Michael lade!. Staff members present included: Village Manager
Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl, Police Chief Richard
Eddington, Deputy Police Chief John Dahlberg, Fire Chief Michael Figolah, Public Works
Director Glen Andler, Deputy Public Works Director Sean Dorsey, Village Engineer
Jeffrey Wulbecker, Traffic Engineer Matt Lawrie and Streets/Building Superintendent
Paul Bures. Safety Commission members present included: Carol Tortorello, Chuck
Bencic and John Keane.
II.
WORKSHOP WITH SAFETY COMMISSION
Village Manager Janonis provided a general overview regarding the materials that are
presented for discussion this evening. He also stated that there would be a need for
regular and comprehensive input and discussion from residents. He stated ultimately
this is a discussion to change driver behavior which obviously is no easy task. He also
stated in order for any components of any traffic program to be successful, there needs
to be some type of standard procedures to establish the policy and then a measurement
of those policies to determine success.
Traffic Engineer Matt Lawrie spoke. He stated there are three components that are
presented this evening: Residential Speed Limit Program, Residential Traffic Control
Program and Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program.
Residential Speed Limit ProGram
This Program is based on dividing the community into 18 zones and gathering speed
data on sample streets within each zone. He stated that five of the 18 zones have been
completed. While he expects similar results from other sites, he is recommending that
data collection continue throughout this coming summer so that there will be data in
place for all 18 zones even though he is reasonably confident that the findings will be
virtually the same in every zone. He stated the speed limit is typically established using
the 85th percentile, which means that 85% of the drivers are at or below the posted
speed limit. This percentile represents the level drivers are comfortable with the street
and are able to utilize the street at or near the speed limit.
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III.
DS/rcc
He also stated there are some streets within each zone which would not be considered
residential per se and could be categorized as higher traffic volume streets whereby
these streets would have possible higher speed limits posted but the 85th percentile
parameter would still hold.
Staff's question regarding this part of the study is querying the Board as to determine
whether it is acceptable to raise the speed limit if criteria of the program is overlaid on
the streets in a specific zone. Approximately 16% would be raised from 20 to 25 miles
per hour.
Village Board consensus was to consider such criteria to determine speeds on
residential streets utilizing the zone approach.
Residential Intersection Traffic Control ProGram
This Program consists of collecting data and applying the uniform traffic control manual.
He stated the study necessary for intersections is extremely time-consuming and would
be ripe for assistance from consultants. He stated that all intersections would need
engineering studies. He also stated that from the initial analysis, there would be a need
to deemphasize the use of "Yield" signs due to the lack of understanding of what a
"Yield" sign means to the driver. There would also need to be a review of intersections
which are currently posted with "Stop" signs. There are likely several intersections which
would not meet warrants for a "Stop" sign.
Consensus of the Village Board was to consider consultant assistance for the
intersection review.
NeiGhborhood Traffic CalminG ProGram
This Program discussion was postponed until the next joint meeting scheduled for
May 24, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Board Room.
ADJOURNMENT
The Workshop adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,- / / íJ
~~~
DAVID STRAHL
Assistant Village Manager
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