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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3060_001MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MAY 28, 1996 CALL TO ORDER Mayor Farley called the meeting to order at 7:37 pm. Present at the meeting were: Trustees George Clowes, Timothy Corcoran, Paul Hoefert, Michaele Skowron and Irvana Wilks. Trustee Richard Hendricks arrived at 8:55 p.m. Also present were: Village Manager Michael Janonis, Assistant Village Manager David Strahl and Community Development Director William Cooney. MINUTES Minutes of May 14, 1996. Motion made by Trustee Wilks and Seconded by Trustee Skowron to accept the Minutes. Minutes were approved unanimously. Iw - Mayor Farley provided a general overview of the Committee structure. The Committee included two Trusteesand four residents from Mount Prospect. Tnistee Skowron provided an introduction of the Committee members and stated that the Committee met a total of three times to create the document presented to the Board this evening. She stated that the Ordinance goes back approximately sixteen years and was originally created to address vehicles over 8,000 pounds parked in residential neighborhoods. The previous Ordinance had been enforced on a complaint -only basis. However, a 'recent Court ruling found the definition of a commercial vehicle to be inappropriate for proper enforcement. The Village Board originally sent the Ordinance to the Zoning Board of Appeals for consideration and recommendation for the Village Board to consider after the ZBA ruling. However, the ZBA provided a recommendation to the Village Board which did not resolve the initial problems identified in the Ordinance. f A Committee was formed to report to the Village Board and its charge was to find a common ground for enforcement. Trustee Skowron stated that many of the elements contained in this report are very similar to the staff' report which was previously presented to the Vjllage Board She provided a general overview of the recommendations from the Committee, Among the items reviewed was a definition of a commercial vehicle and, how the definition is applied to Residential � Districts. She also stated that the Committee felt that one commercial vehicle on a property was sufficient regardless of where the vehicle was parked. The Committee would recommend the proposed Ordinance include a provision which encourages the vehicles to be placed out of site so the neighborhoods could be preserved. She also stated the vehicle must fit within the dimensions of an envelope defined in the recommendation. Signage would be grandfathered and the general limitation of signage has a basis rooted in the current Sign Ordinance of the Village whereby such signage would be limited to 25% of a vehicle. The signage would have to be covered after a date specific and any new commercial vehicles would be required to cover the signage when they; move into the community. The Committee also felt that the 25% of the vehicle would be easier to cover than'a higher percentage of signage on the vehicle. Commercial trailers would be prohibited in residential areas. Trustee Skowron concluded her comments by stating the total height allowed would be 8 feet without roof attachments. Trustee Hoefert spoke. He wanted to thank Trustee Skowron for chairingthe committee an forging a compromise that all Committee members could accept. He stated the ,general idea of all Committee members was the protection of the residential neighborhoods for all people. He said there was also some concern raised about the enforcement of the Ordinance on a complaint basis and he would` personally prefer active enforcement procedures. Nancy Bobikewk:z, 1114 Meadow Lane, spoke. She said the general goal of the Committee was to get the vehicle to fid into the same footprint as a vehicle of a non-commercial nature would, She stated that she would personally prefer nothing to be on top of the vehicle and would prefer grandfathering of 12-18 months instead of 5 years as proposed in the recommendation. Beverly Carr, 427 Larkdale, spoke. She wanted to thank the Committee members for compromising in order to arrive at a recommendation. 2 Raymon Rubio, 412 North Elmhurst, spoke. He wanted to thank the Committee for their efforts. He also would like to see the Village provide parking for commercial vehicle owners which may have multiple vehicles because they still need a place to go. He was concerned that people may have to move out of their homes because they could not park multiple vehicles in the driveway and, has a concern about who might move in with the departure of such residents. Finally, he stated that the felt the Ordinance would have an effect on approximately 4,000 vehicles in Mount Prospect and felt Mount Prospect was no different than how many other towns dealt with commercial vehicle parking. General comm ' ents by the Village Board members followed. Among the items discussed Included the items below. Some discussion took place regarding the definition of commercial vehicle and some members had concerns that commuter vans and public vehicles were excluded from the rules defining what a commercial vehicle is. Some discussion also took place concerning the amount of signage as a percentage which covers the vehicle and how that percentage was arrived at. Also, if signage was to be covered, why set a percentage amount of coverage limit to begin with. Some discussion also took place concerning the equipment which may be carried within a vehicle which would cause it to be considered a commercial vehicle. Trust" Skowron responded to a number of the concerns raised by the various Board members. She spoke as a representative of the Committee which drafted the regulations. The signage percentage limit was arrived at based on the current Sign Code and the Committee wanted to allow the signage to easily be covered. The Committee also came to no consensus on the mode of enforcement of the Ordinance. And, finally, the Committee did not want to address equipment which may be stored red inside of a vehicle and did not want to go beyond the definition provided to the Village Board in terms of a commercial vehicle. Bob Scotese, 111 South Albert, spoke. He stated that he felt the Ordinance should be enforced on a complaint basis. He stated that he has concerns about vehicles parking wherever possible on a residential property and urged the Board to prohibit all materials stored in racks on the top of a vehicle. He felt too many exceptions in the Ordinance for the various vehicle types would create problems in enforcement and the vehicles should be limited to garage storage only. Paul Tate, 901 Sumac, spoke. He wanted to thank the Committee for its work and felt that there should be some signage allowed if the signage were mandated to be included on the vehicle. He also did not see a need to change from a complaint enforcement basis to a proactive enforcement basis. Don Quinn 401 North Wille, spoke. He requested information as to the Judge who made the original ruling invalidating the Village Ordinance,. He has concems about language which would not prohibit an 18-wheeler type vehicle to be used for commuting. He also stated that he had concerns about the wording in the Ordinance which stated, "not limited to" allows for interpretation by enforcement personnel. He felt the size of the vehicle limitations should affect all vehicles not just commercial vehicles in residential areas. Harold Rentschler, 424 Larkdale Lane, spoke. He stated he has lived in Mount Prospect for 30 years. He stated that if the vehicle is ,parkedout of sight, then people tend, not to notice the commercial vehicle in a residential area. He also felt that the Ordinance should address the quality of the maintenance of the vehicle and its appearance. Marilyn Armstrong, 506 North Eastwood, spoke. She stated that she did not own a commercial vehicle and would recommend the Village Board accept the proposal as presented and would be supporiive of enforcement on a complaint-only basis. Joel Sims, 1816 Azalea, spoke. He feels that all his considerations have been taken into account to come up with this compromise and would recommend Village Board approval of the recommendation. Additional comments from Village Board members included a concern that debris from the job site should not be brought home in addition to the landscape debris prohibition as stated in the Ordinance. ;There was also some concern as to whether it was realistic to force the signage to be covered and the Board may want to consider license fee for a sign-like permit for vehicle signage. The Village Board decided to break the items contained within the recommendation into various components for direction to staff. The items are listed as follows: 1. Proactive enforcement. No consensus as to whether the:, enforcement will be proactive or complaint-only. Staff is to follow-up to determine possible effects of proactive enforcement compared to complaint-only; enforcement. 2. Definition of commercial vehicle. Board members felt that there is a need to address the separate use of a commercial vehicle for personal use and ancillary equipment and construction-type vehicles should be included in the definition. Construction-type vehicles would be items such as backhoes or skid-steer vehicles. Staff is to follow up with suggestions as to how these items could be included in the definition. Consensus of the Village Board was to accept the definition with suggestions from staff with possible revisions. 4 3. Definition of single vehicle limit for residential property. Consensus of the Village Boardwas to accept this recommendation of a single vehicle per residential property. 4. Limit such a vehicle to four wheels only. Consensus of the Village Board was to request staff to revise the definition to address commercial vs. personal use vehicles and not tie the definition specifically to a &plate according to the Illinois Vehicle Code. 5. Refrigerated or specialty -purpose vehicles. Consensus of the Village Board was to ensure that tow trucks and dump trucks were also Included in this definition and otherwise accept the recommendation from the Committee. 6. Definition of a specialty class of vehicles. Village staff was to draft some examples of what specialty class of vehicles might entail. 7. Storage of vehicle outside the garage. Consensus of the Village' Board was to prioritize location of the vehicle outside the garage area as a component of the Ordinance for Informational purposes. The Board also left that the Information contained In the May 13, 1996 Minutes of the Committee was appropriate for use as direction for storage of the vehicle In a garage location. 8. Signage on the vehicle. Consensus of the Village Board was to request staff to provide examples of the percentage of signage which may appear on a vehicle for the Board to consider as part, of the deliberations to approve the Ordinance. 9. The box or size of the vehicle. Consensus of the Village Hoard was to make sure there was clear definition or limitations as to how high the vehicle would be with the additional ladder racks. 5 Village Manager Janonis stated this recommendation would move forward to the Village Board for final disposition, However, at the Village Board level, there would be a need to dispose ofthe ZBA recommendation which came to the Village Board originally before the,sub-committee was created. Mr. Janonis recommended that the Village Board should try; to resolve the issue of the ZBA case without sending the recommendations of the sub-committee back to the ZBA for discussion. V. VILt.A E MANAgEffl REP" RT Village Manager Janonis stated that there had been no flooding within the borders of Mount Prospect due to the heavy rains and the current water level of the Des Plaines River is receding as we speak. He also stated that due to the absence of two Board members and the Village Manager, he would poll the Village, Board on June 4 to determine whether there was a need for the June 18 Village Board meeting. VI. ANY OTHER BUSINESS Trustee Clowies requested staff and the Village Attorney review recent Tort Reform legislation changes to determine what the exposure of VillageBoard members might be. Vii. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 10:44 p.m.; Respectfully submitted, DAVID ST"RAHL (A-" DS1rrcc Assistant Village Manager 6' Awn Mount Prospect Public Works Department INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TM MY USA To: Villager Manager Mike Janonis From: Village Engineer Date: June 6, 1996 Subject: Railroad Grade Safety Crossing Program At the December 12, 1995 Committee of the Whole Meeting the Village Board requested that the Safety Commission review the Village's Railroad Safety Program and make recommendations for any improvements. Following the Board's direction, significant time was spent discussing the Railroad Safety Program at the February, March and May Safety Commission Meetings. In addition, Commissioner Arlene Juracek and Traffic Engineer Sean Won attended the Railroad Crossing Safety Summit in April. The results of this effort is contained in the attached "Review of Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program." This report is submitted for the Village Board's review and consideration of the recommendations. The recommendations can be found starting on page 6 of the report. Also attached are Safety Commission Meeting minutes relating to this topic. cc: Public Works Director Glen Andler REVIEW OF RAILROAD GRADE CROSSING SAFETY PROGRAM VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT PREPARED BY THE SAFETY COMMISSION MAY, 1996 )DUCTION To improve the safety of the Village's railroad crossings, the Village Board of Trustees requested that the Safety Commission review the Village's current Railroad Safety Program and provide recommendations. 'TK/E8 The objectives of this review are: 1. Toinventory current railroad crossing safety systems 2. Toreview enforcement ofnew railroad crossing law and additional warning signage 3. To provide recommendations to improve railroad crossing safety systems 1. Railroad Crossings within The Village 2. Current Railroad Safety System = Automatic Gate and Flashing Red Lights • Warning Signage w Pavement Markings 3. Railroad Safety System ofthe Neighboring Communities 4. New Illinois Railroad Crossing Low 5. Recommendations * Warning Signage � Public Education � Enforcement RAILROAD CROSSINGS WITHIN THE VILLAGE (see Exhibit 1) � Central Road & Union Pacific Railroad w Main Street (IL 83) & Union Pacific Railroad � Emerson Street & Union Pacific Railroad w Mt. Prospect Road & Union Pacific Railroad � Kensington Road & Wisconsin Central Railroad � Euclid Avenue & Wisconsin Central Railroad CURRENT RAILROAD SAFETY SYSTEM incompliance wd—the FEDERAL H|{SHVVAYADK�|N|STRATON'SK&4NUALonUN|FC)RK�—'R'R~C CONTROL DEV10ES(NYUTCD) ° AUTOMATIC GATE AND FLASHING RED LIGHTS All railroad crossings have automatic gates & flashing red |�h�. mo�� �qqn0\reoem�anR�UroedCnzmo�Street Qn�ar�ap!e- has flashing red lights. WARNING SIGNAGE A. All railroad crossings have diagonal RAILROAD CROSSING signs (Figure R15-1) and RAILROAD ADVANCE WARNING signs X(Figure R1 5-1) / (Figure VV1O-1) | Note that there are nqrailroad warning m' - ~ �(F�ureVV18-1)on Emerson Street. But this is acceptable per section ]13-3of / » B. Four of the railroad crossings are adjacent to roadway intersections controlled by traffic signals. Intersection traffic control signals at these four railroad crossings are preempted by the approach of a train. Existing turn restriction signs at these four railroad crossings are as follows: a.) Central Road & Northwest Highway/Prospect Avenue 1. Illuminated No -Right -Turn sign on Northwest Highway at Central Road for turning traffic (from southeast bound Northwest Highway to west bound Central Road) 2. No -Right -Turn -On -Red sign on Prospect Ave at Central Road for turning traffic (from northwest bound Prospect Ave to east bound Central Road) b.) Main Street (IL 83) & Northwest Highway/Prospect Avenue tlluminated No -Right -Turn and No -Left -Turn signs on Prospect Ave at Main Street for turning traffic (from northwest bound Prospect Ave to north bound Main Street and from southeast bound Prospect Ave to north bound Main Street) c.) Emerson Street & Northwest Highway/Prospect Avenue No turn restriction signs are posted. d.) Mt. Prospect Road & Northwest Highway/Prospect Avenue Illuminated No -Right -Turn and No -Left -Turn signs on Northwest Highway at Mt. Prospect Road for turning traffic (from northwest bound Northwest Highway to south bound Mt. Prospect Road and from southeast bound Northwest Highway to south bound Mt. Prospect Road) C. Two Wisconsin Central Railroad grade crossings are not adjacent to roadway intersections. These two crossings have automatic gates, fleshing red lights, RAILROAD CROSSING signs (Figure R15-1) and RAILROAD ADVANCE WARNING signs (Figure W10- 1). D. DO NOT CROSS TRACK SIGN The following signs are located on the center fence of the railroad track at Main Street, Emerson Street and Pedestrian Crossing near Maple Street. DANGER DO NOT CROSS TRACKS WHEN BELL IS RINGING RED LIGHTS ARE FLASHING DANGER * E. DO NOT STOP ON TRACKS SIGN There are no Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs at any of the railroad crossings. PAVEMENT MARKINGS All six railroad crossings have Ks, with the letters RR and transverse lines (Figure 8.2). All railroad crossings also have stop lines approximately 8' from automatic gates. I (Figure 8.2) RAILROAD SAFETY SYSTEM OF THE NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES Booed on inspection, bwas found that railroad crossings inthe Village of Arlington Heights and the City of Des Plaines have 1) automatic gates & flashing red lights,2)crosabuoksign & railroad advance warning sign, 3)pavement markings, and 4) torn restriction signs. Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs were not used inthe Village of Arlington Heights and the City ofDes Plaines. � As aresult ofrecent inspection ofthe railroad crossings, lOOTreduced the pedestrian crossing timing at some railroad crossings in the Village of Arlington Heights and the City ofDes Plaines and installed the following sign to warn pedestrians and motorists: CAUTION WALK TIME SHORTENED WHEN TRAIN APPROACHES This warning sign ioprimarily towarn pedestrians who cross Northwest Highway, not the commuter railroad tracks. Except for the above warnings, nospecial signage was found at railroad crossings in the Village of Arlington Heights and the City cdDes Plaines. Note that this warning sign was not installed inthe Village ofMount Prospect because the pedestrian crossing time was not shortened by|DOT. 4. NEW ILLINOIS RAILROAD CROSSING LAW The Illinois Vehicle Code was amended onJuly 19.1985 toinclude a mandatory $5O0.00fine or58hours ofcommunity services for motorists and pedestrians who violate railroad crossing laws. This new railroad crossing law is effective since January 1,19QG. 5. RECOMMENDATIONS WARNING SIGNAGE & STRIPING A. TURNING RESTRICTION SIGNS AND DO-NOT-8TOP-ON- TRACKG|GNS(oeoExhibb2) oj Central Road & Northwest HkJhway/Pnoope±Avenue 1. Install Do'Not-Sbzp-On-TraokSigns onCentral Road for east bound and west bound traffic. , b.) Main Street (IL 83)& Northwest Highway/Prospect Avenue | 1. Install mnilluminated Nm-Left-Turnsign onNorthwest Highway at Main Street for turning traffic (from northwest bound Northwest Highway bzsouth bound Main Street) c.) Emerson Street & Northwest Highway 1.~ Install an illuminated Nu-Left-Turnsign on Northwest Highway otEmerson Street for turning traffic (from northwest bound Northwest Highway tosouth bound Emerson Street) 2. Install Oo'Not-Gtop-On-Tnaoksign -on Emerson Street for north bound traffic. � di) Mt. Prospect Road & Northwest H Avenue 1. Install n-Trecksign cmMt. Prospect Road for north bound traffic. B. NEW WARNING SIGN | Install the following signs onthe center fence ofthe railroad track. | VIOLATORS 7 ` | | ! | ` ' / C. PAVEMENT MARKING / The railroad crossing pavement markings should beregularly inspected and remarked as necessary.� w PUBLIC EDUCATION Inform general public ofthe new railroad crossing law and railroad crossing safety. A. Ryer 1. Station Public Safety Officers atEmerson Street, Main Street and Maple Street Parking Lot tohand out flyers and answer questions. 2. Place flyers incoffee shops, parking toll boxes, and the train station. B. Village Cable TV 1. Provide aninterview session (questions & answers) with the public safety officer. 2. Send TVvideo tapes hzschool districts for student's education. C. Village Newsletter D. Press Release � POLICE ENFORCEMENT A Intensify enforcement ofnew ordinance B. Consider foot patrol for easier access toviolators, and increased 'PRESENCE'. C. Recommend the train crossing law violators toserve 60hours nf community services handing out flyers at the train station. V VILLAGE RAILROAD GRADE CROSSING LOCATION MAP CENTRAL RD & UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MAIN ST (IL W) & UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD EMERSON ST & UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MT PROSPECT RD & UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD EXHIBIT I. MAY, 1996 C T x TT I—L co STOP ON EAST/WEST BOUND ON CENTRAL RD t RECOMMENDATIONS RAILROAD CROSSING SAFETY PROGRAM VILLAGE OF MOUNT, PROSPECT STOP ON NORTH BOUND ON EMERSON ST ILLUMINATED mlq NORTH BOUND ON MT PROSPECT RD STOP ON tillage of Mount Prospect Mount Prospect, Illinois INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM SAFETY COMMISSION MEMBERS )M: MAYOR GERALD L. FARLEY E: DECEMBER 13, 1995 JECT: RAILROAD SAFETY REVIEW ie December 12 Committee of the Whole meeting, the Village Board considered "ably asking that the Safety Commission undertake, as a special project, a review of Village's current Railroad Safety Program and make recommendations for ovements to same. main focus of the Commission would be looking at public education programs, "cement of current or proposed laws and additional warning signage that might be .d at or around railroad grade crossings. The actual scope of your review would be the members of the Commission. The Board is not asking that you review and the safety of individual crossing/signal configurations and timing. That is best left a technical expertise of such agencies as IDOT. We are looking at focusing more Jucating our population and taking reasonable preventative steps to warn commuters )edestrians who have occasion to pass through or utilize these points in the Village. time frame under which you can conduct your review and formulate emendations is left to your prudent discretion. i would like any additional direction or clarification of the Board's request, please do esitate to contact me. GERALD L. "SKI FARLEY -cc Board of Trustees Police Chief Ronald Pavlock Fire Chief Edward Cavello Public Works Director Glen Andler M � | Village of Mount Prospect pOLICjr� Mount Prospect, Illinois INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM MEMORAND0m TO: MICHAEL E. JANONIS, VILLAGE MANAGER FROM: CHIEF OFPOLICE SUBJECT: RAILROAD CROSSING LEGISLATION DATE: DECEMBER 13, 1995 My staff and | would like feedback from your office on how we proceed with this legislation. We suggest a P.R. campaign coupled with later enforcement for pedestrians. The enforcement ofvehicles isinplace (if anyone |aalive totioket. The officers witness very few violations that they can actually get to, due to traffic or the party is on the other side mfthe tracks. They will not follow, but do radio ahead. Thanks. 6 1 N4ALDW. AVLOCKW RVVPjd cc: O/CDaley ^ D/CRichordson CPU 10 SB1078 Enrolled SRS89SO115AKch 1 AN ACT to amend the Illinois Vehicle Code by changing 2 11-1n11 —A 11-11M % 3 4 0 7 Cn a 9 11 12 .13 14 15 16 la 19 20 Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly: Section 5. The Illinois Vehicle Code is amended by changing Sections 11-1011 and 11-1201 as follows: (625 ILCS 5/11-1011) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11-1011)Sec. 11-1011. Bridge and railroad signals. (a) No pedestrian shall enter or remain upon any bridge or approach thereto beyond the bridge signal, gate, or barrier after a bridge operation signal indication has been given. (b) No pedestrian shall pass through, around, over, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing or bridge while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed. (c) No pedestrian shall enter, remain upon or traverse over a railroad grade crossing or pedestrian walkway crossing a railroad track when an audible bell or clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device is operational giving warning of the approach of a railroad train. (d) A violation of any part of this Section shall result in a mandatory fine of $500 or 50 hours of community service. (e) Local authorities shall impose fines as established in subsection (d) for pedestrians who fail to obey signals indicating the a=roach or vassace of a train. (Source: P.A. 86-429; 86-1028.) (625 ILCS 5/11-1201) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 11 -1201)' - Sec. 11-1201. obedience to signal indicating approach of train. 49 so 54 55 58 59 62 64 68 69 71 72 73 75 76 77 78 80 82 84 as 86 as 91 93 sBiolS Enrolled -2- sRS89S0115AXch 1 (a) Whenever any person driving a vehicle approaches a 96 2 railroad grade crossing such person must exercise due care 97 3 and caution as the existence of a railroad track across a 98 4 highway is a warning of danger, and under any of the 99 5 circumstances stated in this Section, the driver shall stop 6 within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest 100 7 rail of the railroad and shall not proceed until he can do so 101 8 safely. The foregoing requirements shall apply when: 102 9 1. A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal 104 10 device gives' warning of the immediate approach of a 105 11 railroad train; 12 2. A crossing gate is lowered or a human flagman 107 13 gives or continues to give a signal of the approach or 108 14 passage of a railroad train; is 3. A railroad train approaching a highway crossing 110 16 emits a warning signal and such railroad train, by reason ill 17 of its speed or nearness �to such crossing, is an 112 is immediate hazard; 19 4. An approaching railroad train is plainly visible 114 20 and is in hazardous proximity to such crossing. 115 22 5. A railroad train is approaching so closely that 117 22 an immediate hazard is created. 118 23 (b) No person shall drive any vehicle through, around or 121 24 under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad crossing 25 while such gate- or barrier is closed or is being opened or 122 26 closed. 27 (c) The Department, and local authorities with the 124 28 approval of the Department, are hereby authorized to 125 29 designate particularly dangerous highway grade crossings of 126 30 railroads and to erect stop signs thereat. When such stop 127 31 signs are erected the driver of any vehicle shall stop within 128 32 50 feet but not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail of 129 33 such railroad and shall proceed only upon exercising due 130 ,�,3 care. SB1078 Enrolled -3- SRS89S0115AKch 1 (d) At any railroad grade crossing grovided with 133 2 railroad crossbuck signs, without automatic, electric, or 134 3 mechanical signal devices, crossing gates, or a human flagman 135 4 giving a signal of the aporoach or passage of a train, the 5 driver of a vehicle shall in obedience to the railroad 136 6 crossbuck sign, yield the right-of-way and slow down to a 137 7 speed reasonable for the existing conditions and shall stop, 138 .8 if required for safety, at a clearly marked stopped line, or 9 if no stop line, within 50 feet but not less than 15 feet 139 10 from the nearest rail of the railroad and shall not 2roceed 140 11 until he or she can do so safely. If a driver is involved in 141 12 a collision at a railroad crossing or interferes with the 13 movement of a train after driving past the railroad crossbuck 142 14 sign, the collision or interference is prima facie evidence 143 is of the driver's failure to yield right-of-way. 144 16 (e) A violation of any part of this Section shall result 146 17 in a mandatory fine of $500 or 50 hours of communit service. 148 is (f) Local authorities shall impose fines as established 150 19 in subsection (e) for vehicles that fail to obey signals 151 20 indicatin the avaroach or-passaqe of a train. 152 (Source: P.A. 79-1069.) 154 159 PreVnt )of the' Senate 161 , 164 Speaker, House of Representatives 165 APPROVED 2 Page 14, Section I 1:�. -1 S, DaffyHeddSTUART It. PADDOCK JK. Chao ­man and llubhsh,, ROBERT Y PADDOCK Vice Chairman FOUNDED 1872 DANIEL E. BAUNIANN. Pre ukrni DOUGLAS K RAY, Vice Premdent/Eddar JOHN LAIMPINEN, Asst. Vice PreiridenbManaging Editor DAVID L. BEERY, Asst. Managing Editor/EddoiaLs "Ow aim To fear God, feLl the truth and make money." H.C. PADDOCK 18321935 Drivers noid k y oa **,sing te �-Ao 8 cir" ty ;1 In the wake of October's fatal train -bus crash in Fox River Grove, the search'for protections against a repeat of the horrible tragedy has led to a variety of mechanical and technological systems. And well it should. But a review of the history of accidents along the North- west Line suggests that correcting a single condition could address the vast majority of crossing accidents. That condition? Driver error. Investigators widely acknowledge that even if driver error played a role in the tragedy at Seven Angels Cross- ing, technical malfunctions also appear to have con - ti tributed. But among the scores of other fatalities and hundreds of less serious accidents along the former Chicago & North - t, west Ry. tracks, police and railway authorities agree the most common denominator is disregard for safety mea- sures already in place. "In all my recollection," says Mount Prospect Crime Pre- vention Officer William Roscop, "the people (involved in train crashes) have gone around functioning gates." Roscop should lmow� *hereof he"spbiaks. Mount Prospect's 52 crashei 'and 1 1 6 fatalities over the past 40 years lead all other Northwest suburban commum-, ties. And, railway employees- backup the observation that , dis- LL regard for safety is a major factor in train tragedies. "It's just unbelievable that people are so impatient" says a 45 -year veteran conductor, noting that as recently as two weeks ago, a boy ran across the path of a speeding train at the very intersection that symbolizes death and disaster in the minds of Fox River Grove residents. Perhaps one of the most shaming messages for drivers t Hes in a key discovery ss on rail-cro ing safety. t Experts have found they can reduce accidents by length- ening gates, so drivers have a harder time getting around them. None of this should in any way absolve us from employ- ing all the reasonable technological safeguards at our dis- posal to ensure the safety of railroad crossings. Surely, the penalty for impatience or a momentary lapse of concentration ought not be injury or death. r But neither ought anyone ignore one simple and irrefutable safety observation. If you want to find the protections that can ensure you will not become a victim of a traffic disaster that kills 600 Americans a year, start looking at the most and 1 _, I 11—j-1.1. 11 1-11-. Ov TNFN Mi If you are easily conned, you will believe 1) that Nixon (in 1972) faced a re-election challenge that made it necessary to end the Vietnam War on whatever terms, 2) that Henr, Kissinger, serving as national secu- rity adviser,, wished to conclude the war primarily to win the Nobel Peace Prize; and 3) that oscillations by the North Vietnamese resulted in the betrayal of President Thieu of South Vietnam, the ascendancy o; Henry Kissinger in public esteem, and an indefensible bombing by the United States of North Vietnam, done by Nixon after the election, (tie won 49 states), explainable only in terms of Nixonitegandiosity. What's wrong wit the above is that the terms Nixon gave the en- emy, through Henry Kissinger. were identical to those thatTac been confidentially stipulated in May 1971, and publicized by Nixon in January 1972. They were: North Vietnam had to 1) cease further in- filtration of the south, 2) return U.S. prisoners, and 3) acknowledge the de facto authority of the South Viet• narnese government In October, Le Due Tbo caitu- lated. President Thieu, askedfor more concrete guarantees than Nixon thouglit he could give him the North Vietnamese did not dis- continue support for the .infiltrators 0;rvmr Winer/Sewer Superintendent Glen R. Andler Seen P. Dorsey Adrninis"'*t" AA* Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Dawn L. W.cki Sandra M. park Solid West. Coord. wr Vehicle/Equipment Suporin0rdent M" Lisa AngeD James E. Guenther Public Works tavn A4 Village Engineer Public Works, Engineering Division Jeffrey A. Wulbecker Acs G� Commissioner Mount Prospect Public Works Department Commissioner 1700 W. Central Road. Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 Phone 708/870-5640 Fax 708/253-9377 TOO 708/392-1235 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 7:37 P.M. on Monday, February 12. 1996. 11. ROLL CALL Upon roll call, each Safety Commission Member introduced themselves to the audience. Present upon roll call: Lee Beening. Chairman Art Coy Commissioner Arlene Juracek Commissioner George Steiner Police Department Sean Dorsey Public Works Sean Won Public Works, Engineering Division Absent: Andy Mitchell Commissioner Joan Bjork Commissioner Steve Dumovich Fire Department Others in Attendance: See Attached List. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Arlene Juracek, seconded by Art Coy, moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Safety Commission held on December 11, 1995. IV. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. 0 W BUSINESS REVIEW OF VILLAGE'S RAILROAD CROSSINGSAFETY PROGRAM Sean Won said that the Village Board requested the Safety Commission to undertake a review of the Village Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program and make recommendations. He also said that Engineering Staff prepared a draft of the Village Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program for the Commissioners' review. a) CURRENT RAILROAD SAFETY SYSTEM Sean Won said that all six railroad crossings within the Village meet the minimum safety requirements. These are Automatic Gates, Flashing Red Lights, Railroad Crossing Signs, Railroad Advance Warning Signs, and Pavement Markings. Note that the Pedestrian Crossing near Maple Street has flashing red lights. Currently, the Village does not utilize Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs. Sean Won said that the neighboring communities (the Village of Arlington Heights and the City of Des Plaines) have the same railroad crossing safety systems except additional signs for pedestrians ('CAUTION WALK TIME SHORTENED WHEN TRAIN APPROACHES). These were installed due to recent changes of traffic signal timing by IDOT. Note that ]DOT did not change the Mount Prospect's Traffic Signal timing. NEW ILLINOIS RAILROAD CROSSING LA Sean Won said that the revised Illinois Vehicle Code provided a mandatory fine of $500 or 50 hours of community services and took effect on January 1, 1996. RECOMMENDATIONS 1) CENTRAL ROAD/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE Sean Won recommended 1) Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs for eastbound and westbound traffic on Central Road and 2) illuminated No -,Left -Tum signs on Northwest Highway at Central Road for westbound traffic, He also mentioned that motorists can not make left -turns (from Northwest Highway onto westbound Central Road) when a train approaches because motorists can make left turns only with left -tum arrows. All Commissioners agreed that illuminated No -Left - Turn signs might not be necessary. Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs for eastbound and westbound traffic on Central Road will be recommended. Commissioner Ariene Juracek suggested that Do - Not -Stop -On -Track sign for westbound traffic could be installed on a pole on the center island. 2) MAIN STREET/NORTHWEST HIGHWAYIPROSPECT AVENUE Sean Won recommended 1) Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs for northbound and southbound traffic on Main Street and 2) illuminated No -Right -Tum and No -Left- Turn signs on Northwest Highway at Main Street for southbound traffic. Commissioner Arlene Juracek said that Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs on Main Street could be a problem because there are, already, many signs at this railroad crossing. All Commissioners agreed that this additional sign might not improve the safety of the intersection. Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs on Main Street will not be recommended. According to Commissioner Andy Mitchell (He sent a letter to Sean Won .because he could not attend the meeting), this intersection did have illuminated No-Right-Tum/No-Left-Tum signs in 1960's and, subsequently, removed in 1980's. He thought that these signs were removed because the commuters could not get into the parking lots. Commissioner Art Coy asked Sean Won to find out why these signs were removed and report the findings to the next Safety Commission Meeting. 3) EMERSON STREET/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE Sean Won recommended 1) Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs for northbound and southbound traffic on Emerson Street and 2) illuminated No -Left -Turn and No - Right -Tum signs on Northwest Highway at Emerson Street for southbound traffic. George Steiner said that Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs are not needed for southbound traffic. Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs for northbound traffic on Emerson Street will be recommended. This intersection also had illuminated NO-Left-Tum/No-Right-Tum signs in 1960's and removed in 1980's. Therefore, Sean Won will report the findings to the next Safety Commission Meeting. 4) MOUNT PROSPECT ROAD/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE Sean Won recommended 1) illuminated No -Left -Turn signs on Mt. Prospect Road at Prospect Avenue and 2) Do-Not-Stop•On-Track signs for northbound and southbound traffic on Mt. prospect Road. All Commissioners agreed that illuminated No -Left -Turn and southbound Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs are not necessary. Do -Not -Stop -On -Track signs for northbound traffic on Mount Prospect Road will be recommended. 5) NEW WARNING SIGN Sean Won recommended 'MT. PROSPECT ARRESTS TRAIN CROSSING VIOLATORS ($500 FINE)' signs. All Commissioners agreed that this sign might not improve the safety of the railroad crossings. This new waming sign will not be recommended. d) PUBLIC EDUCATION As a commuter, Commissioner Arlene Juracek expressed her frustrations. She said the following: Most police enforcement and presence are concentrated on Emerson Street and Main Street. There are no police for commuters using Maple Street Parking Lots. Therefore, large number commuters are not informed about new train crossing laws and penalties. Some of these commuters don't live in the Village of Mount Prospect and don't read newspapers. She would like to have public safety officers hand out flyers and answer any questions that the commuters have at Maple Street. 2) A few weeks ago, she and other commuters got off an outbound train on the center track. At that time the Pedestrian Crossing at Maple Street had flashing red lights because there was an outbound train on the southern most track. Then the train at the southern most track stopped at a few hundred feet from the station and sounded its horn. All the commuters crossed the train track while the Pedestrian Crossing was flashing red lights. After all commuters crossed the track (they knew that they were breaking the train crossing laws), this train passed the train station while sounding horn. 3) In another case, she got off a train at Main Street while the gate was down. All the commuters were crossing tracks because the train was stopped and it was the safest time to cross tracks. Commissioner Arlene Juracek said that the revised train crossing law has unintended consequences because the State did not think of every possible situation. Commissioner Art Coy said that the train crossing law was mainly for two tracks. When railroad crossings have more than two tracks, there are some problems in interpreting the train crossing law. Commissioner Ariene Juracek requested that an interview (questions and answers) with the public safety officer be included in the Village Cable TV program. Chairman Lee Beening recommended that enforcement warning flyers requesting comments from commuters be placed on all cars on the commuter parking lots. Also hand out flyers at coffee shops and the train station. He further recommended that TV video tapes be sent to school districts for student's education and the train crossing law violators serve 50 hours of community service handing out flyers at the train station. Trustee Irvana Wilks said that if this law needs to be revised to reflect the Village's train station configuration, we could contact our representatives in Springfield. Chairman Lee Beening requested Sean Won 1) to contact neighboring communities and the Northwest Municipal Conferences for their approaches and problems and 2) to find the speed of commuter trains in the Village. All Commissioners agreed that more education by flyers, Cable TV program and the Village newsletter is definitely needed. The Commissioners requested Sean Won to contact the railroad crossing authorities (National Transportation Safety Board/Illinois Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration/Federal Railroad Administration/Illinois Commerce Commission) so that their representatives could attend the next Safety Commission Meeting. Trustee Irvana Wilks brought up the issue of installing signs which show available roadway length to drivers at railroad crossings. This item will be included in the railroad crossing safety program for further review. Commissioner Arlene Juracek left the Safety Commission Meeting at this time. VI. 6DJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 4-0 to adjourn at 9:42 P.M., upon the motion of Commissioner Art Coy. Sean Dorsey seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Sean S.M. Won, P.E. Traffic Engineer M VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET FEBRUARY 12, 1996 NAME ADDRESS PHONE NO. /-'I" ,, ,,, 1",-5 yalk "/, es C3.5 - 7ely JC12 �, 3 qJ Q\Qy%c" 'v; PLEASE SIGN-UP AND PICKUP THE AGENDA! Director Solid Waste Coordinator (=len R. Andler MAOWTAIW M. Lisa Angell Deputy proctor Forestry/Grounds Supeintendent Sean P. Dorsey„ Sandra M. perk Adminiawstiva Aida Venicte/E mSu Dawn L. Wucld /EgViPJames E. a sm; Guenther Superintendent Village Engineer fiC'y a� Jeffrey A. Wulbecker 9 Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 Phone 647/670-5640 Fax 647/253-9377 TDD 847/3S2-1235 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:35 P.M. on Monday, March 11, 1996. II. ROLL CALL Upon roll call, each Safety Commission Member introduced themselves to the audience. Present upon roll call: Lee Beening Chairman Buz Livingston Fire Department Sean Dorsey Public Works John Dahlberg Police Department Joan Bjork Commissioner Arlene Juracek Commissioner Sean Won Public Works, Engineering Division Absent: Art Coy Commissioner Andy Mitchell Commissioner Others in Attendance: See Attached List Commissioner Arlene Juracek requested to amend the item V.d.2 in page 4 of the Minutes to clarify the actual event which took place to read: 'At that time the Pedestrian Crossing at Maple Street had flashing red lights because there was an outbound train on the southern most track which had stopped at a few hundred feet from the station. All the commuters crossed the train track while the Pedestrian Crossing was flashing red lights since it appeared that this was what the southern most track train engineer wanted them to do." 1 instead of "At that time the Pedestrian Crossing at Maple Street had flashing red lights because there was an outbound train on the southern most track. Then the train at the southern most track stopped at a few hundred feet from the station and sounded its hom. All the commuters crossed the train track while the Pedestrian Crossing was flashing red lights." Commissioner Arlene Juracek, seconded by Sean Dorsey, moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Safety Commission held on February 12, 1996. IV. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. V. BUSINESS A) REVIEW OF VILLAGE'S RAILROAD CROSSING SAFETY PROGRAM Sean Won reported the following findings based on his contact with the organizations: 1, History of Illuminated No -Right -Tum & No -Left -Turn Signs at IL 83/Northwest Highway & Emerson Street/Northwest Highway IDOT said that they have no records about illuminated No -Tum signs at these intersections. (Commissioner Andy :4:chell Informed the Safety,; Commission that these intersections did have illuminated No-Right-Tum/No-Left-Tum signs in 1960's and removed in 1980's.) 2. Neighboring Communities Sean Won contacted the Village of Arlington Heights and the City of Des Plaines. They said that they have no special activities planned for the train crossing safety. 3. Federal, State and Local Authorities and Railroad The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said that 1) they already completed public hearings, 2) they will complete the report in 6-7 months, and 3) probably all other organizations are waiting for their recommendations. Union Pacific Railroad said that the maximum speed for a passenger train is 70 mph and the maximum speed for a freight train is 60 mph. He said that the Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) has no special activities planned for the train crossing safety. NWMC collected accident data at train crossings due to the federal whistle blowing mandate. Note that this mandate was postponed for further comments. Sean Won said that a draft of the Village Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program was revised per the Safety Commission's comments. CURRENT RAILROAD SAFETY SYSTEM Sean Won said that there are no railroad warning signs (Figure W10-1) on Emerson Street. Railroad warning signs are not required per section 813-3 of the Manual on -Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). All Commissioners agreed that railroad warning signs are not necessary at this intersection. Chairman Lee Beening said that the Village of Arlington Heights has new Do - Not -Cross -Track Signs posted on the center fence of the railroad tracks while our signs are old and faded. Chairman Beening requested that Sean Won contact Union Pacific Railroad to replace these old signs with new signs. RECOMMENDATION MAIN STREET/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE Sean Won recommended illuminated No -Right -Tum and No -Left -Tum signs on Northwest Highway at Main Street for southbound traffic. Commissioner Arlene Juracek said that No -Right -Tum signs should not be recommended because we would like to clear Northwest Highway. All Commissioners agreed not to recommend illuminated No -Right -Tum signs. 2) EMERSON STREET/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE Sean Won recommended illuminated 1) No -Right -Tum and No -Left -Tum signs on Northwest Highway at Emerson Street for southbound traffic and 2) Do -Not -Stop -On -Track sign on Emerson Street for north bound traffic. All Commissioners agreed not to recommend illuminated No - Right -Tum signs because we would like to clear Northwest Highway. NEW WARNING SIGNS Chairman Lee Beening said that the Safety Commission decided not to recommend *MT. PROSPECT ARRESTS TRAIN CROSSING VIOLATORS ($500 FINE)" at the last meeting because there are already too many signs at the intersections. Chairman Beening said that these warning signs could be installed at the center fence of the railroad track. Sean Won said that signs informing available roadway length were included per Trustee Wilks' comment. All Commissioners agreed that this sign may not be effective to improve the safety of the intersection. The available roadway length signs will not be recommended All Commissioners recommended placing flyer boxes in coffee shops, the train station and the parking toll boxes, not on cars in the commuter parking lots creating a litter problem. Commissioner Arlene Juracek requested an increased availability and presence of the public safety officers because a large number of IN commuters still do not know the details of new train crossing law. John Dahlberg said that more police officers will be available in the future as the weather gets warmer„ Chairman Lee Beening requested that all Commissioners review train crossings one more time and -discuss this issue again in the next meeting. B) STOP SIGN REQUEST AT MAIN STREET & SHA -BONES TRAIL, Mr. Lee Resolut of 511 South Main Street said that he made the above request because 1) he observed several accidents during the last several years and 2) cars are speeding at the intersection. Sean Won said that the Engineering Staff performed a stop sign study and this intersection does not meet the stop sign warrants. The findings were 1) the number of accidents (maximum 4 accidents in 1993) do not meet the stop sign warrants (more than 5 accidents per year), 2) the traffic volume at this intersection is less than 20% of the stop sign warrants, and 3) the 85th percentile speed of Sha-Bonee Trail was 26 mph while random speeding was observed. Due to the relatively large number of accidents for a residential intersection, Sean Won recommended yield signs on Main Street at Sha-Bonee Trail. Chairman Lee Beening questioned why Emerson Street has a 20 mph speed limit and Main Street (next to Emerson Street) has a 30 mph speed limit. John Dahlberg said that the speed limit on Emerson Street was revised a few years ago. Commissioners Joan Bjork, Sean Dorsey, and John Dahlberg had concerns that by installing yield signs on Main Street at Sha-Bonee Trail vehicle speeds on Sha-Bonee trail might increase. As a daily user, Commissioner Arlene Juracek said that she has some sight obstruction problem when she is making a right -tum from south bound Main Street to west bound Sha-Bonee Trail. Commissioner Arlene Juracek, seconded by Sean Dorsey, moved to install yield signs on Main Street at Sha-Bonee Trail. The Safety Commission voted to 6-0 to approve this motion. C) NOTIFICATION POLICY TO AFFECTED RESIDENTS Sean Won said that the notification policy was prepared for review and explained the policy. Commissioner Arlene Juracek questioned why a 200 ft distance was used instead of the 250 ft distance used by the Zoning Board. Sean Won said that the policy will be revised to reflect the Zoning Board policy. Buz Livingston asked to add a time limit for the surveys. Sean Won said that the Village generally request residents to return the surveys within 30 days. Chairman Lee Beening asked Sean Won to revise this policy and bring it back to the next meeting. D) ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN This item was deferred to the next meeting because two Commissioners did not attend the meeting. 'Z VI. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 6-0 to adjourn at 9:12 P.M., upon the motion of Commissioner Joan Bjork. John Dahlberg seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Sean S.M. Won, P.E. Traffic Engineer a VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING ATTENDANCE SHEET MARCH 11, 1996 NAME ADDRESS PHONE PLEASE SIGN-UP AND PICKUP THE AGENDAI Director Wstar/Sewgr SuPerintandont Glen R. Andler MAINTAIN Roderick OVoriwan Deputy Director Stresta/Guildings SuPerintandent Seen P. Dorsey Paul ewes Village Engineer Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Jeffrey A. Wulbecker Sand,s M. Dark Administrative Aide 0 It 4 Vehicle/Equipment Superintendent Oe,iom L. Wucki 0 01 James E. Guenther Solid Waste Coordinator Aa^ 4 M. Use Anged Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229 Phone 647/670-5640 Fax 847/253-9377 TDD 647/392-1235 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION 1. CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, May 13, 1996. 11. ROLL CAL Upon roll call, each Safety Commission Member introduced themselves to the audience. Present upon roll call: Lee Beening Chairman Andy Mitchell Commissioner Joan Bjork Commissioner Arlene Juracek Commissioner Sean Dorsey Public Works Paul Bures Public Works Ted Adamczyk Police Department Sean Won Public Works, Engineering Division Absent: Art Coy Commissioner Steve Durnovich Fire Department Others in Attendance: See Attached List. Sean Dorsey introduced new Street/Building Superintendent Paul Bures as a permanent member of the Safety Commission. He will represent the Public Works Department at future commission meeting. Commissioner Arlene JuraceK seconded by Sean Dorsey, moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Safety Commission held on March 11, 1996. The Minutes were approved by a vote of 6-0. 1 IV. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda. V. BUSINESS A) REVIEW OF THE VILLAGE RAIL ROAD CRQSSING SAFETY PROGRAM Sean Won said that the Engineering Staff prepared a draft of the Village Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program for the Commissioner's final review. Sean Won summarized the following recommendations: 1) CENTRAL ROAD/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE Do -Not -Stop -On -Track Signs for eastbound and westbound traffic on Central Road. 2) MAIN STREET/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE An illuminated No -Left -Turn Sign on Northwest Highway at Main Street for turning vehicles (from northwest bound Northwest Highway to south bound Main Street). 3) EMERSON STREET/NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE a) An illuminated No -Left -Turn Sign on Northl�9"w ;at Emerson Street for turning vehicles (from northwest bound Northwest Highway to south bound Emerson Street). b) A Do -Not -Stop -On -Track Sign on Emerson Street for north bound traffic. 4) MT. PROSPECT ROAD & NORTHWEST HIGHWAY/PROSPECT AVENUE A Do -Not -Stop -On -Track Sign on Mt. Prospect Road for north bound traffic. 5) NEW WARNING SIGNS Install the following sign on the center fence of the railroad track: N 6) PUBLIC EDUCATION & POLICE ENFORCEMENT Increase police enforcement Place flyers in coffee shops, parking toll boxes, and the train station. Use Village Cable TV and Village Newsletter to inform general public of the new railroad crossing law and railroad crossing safety. Commissioner Arlene Juracek said that she attended the 1996 DuPage County Railroad Council Safety Summit and video tapes made by Union Pacific Railroad gave a powerful railroad crossing safety message to all attendees. She recommended that the Village obtain these tapes for Village Cable TV. Commissioner Andy Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Joan Bjork, moved to adopt the Village Railroad Grade Crossing Safety Program Review and recommendations. The Safety Commission voted 6-0 to approve this report. This report will be presented to the Village Board at the Committee of the Whole Meeting on June 11, 1996. 3-1119NIZOILOURZ191FM Sean Won said that the notification policy was revised per the Safety Commission's comments. A distance of 250 ft is used instead of a 200 ft distance. A time limit of 30 days will be used for residents to return the surveys. Commissioner Andy Mitchell, seconded by Sean Dorsey, moved to approve the Village of Mount Prospect Safety Commission Notification Policy. The Safety Commission voted 6-0 to approve the policy. Mr. Donald McBride of 303 South Emerson Street said that he made the above request because it was difficult to cross Emerson Street at Milburn due to speeding on Emerson Street. He mentioned that he is legally blind. Chairman Lee Beening said that the Safety Commission has considered the stop sign request at this intersection in 1993 and found that this intersection did not meet the multi -way stop sign warrants. Chairman Beening further stated that the Safety Commission approved a Caution -Children -At -Play sign and the Village installed a Caution -Blind -Person -Area sign near this intersection. Sean Won said that the Engineering Staff performed a stop sign study and this intersection did not meet the stop sign warrants. The findings were 1) the number of accidents (a total of 2 accidents in last five years) did not meet the stop sign warrants (more than 5 accidents per year), 2) the traffic volume at this intersection was less than 60% of the stop sign warrants, and 3) the 85th percentile speed of Emerson Street was 32 mph while random speeding was observed. Sean Won summarized the survey result: A total 21 surveys were sent out. 17 surveys were returned. 10 residents favored and 7 residents were against the stop sign. He stated that a commuter railroad crossing is located about 600 ft north of the intersection. Ms. Mary Kay Risler of I East Milburn Avenue said that she was against stop signs on Emerson Street at Milburn Avenue because 1) there is very little foot traffic, 2) there will be a back up all the way to the train crossing during the rush hours if there are stop signs on Emerson St. at Milburn Ave., 3) speeding occurs only during the rush hours, 4) there were no serious accidents during the last 27 years. Ted Adarnczyk said that the Police will do selective speed enforcement on Emerson Street. Chairman Lee Beening recommended that the only action should be selective speed enforcement by the Police to slow down traffic, C) PARKING RESTRICTION ON THE WEST SIDE OF ALBERT STREET FROM NORTHWEST HIGHWAY TO ALLEY Janet Koy of 409 South Albert Street said that the Auto Repair Shop and Jim Coleman Ltd. do not meet the off-street parking zoning requirements based on the number of service baystthe number of employees/the office size. She further stated that 1) businesses use Albert Street as their parking lots, 2) businesses park their cars on both sides of Albert Street, and 3) any parking restriction will just move cars from one place to another. She questioned that why business licenses were issued even though the businesses do not meet the zoning requirements and why Albert Street does not have parking areas on both sides of the street (from Northwest highway Dan Ungerleider of Community Development Department said that businesses on Northwest Highway do meet the Central Business District zoning requirements (The off- street parking requirement of Central Business District is only 50% of the non -Central Business District parking requirement) and ft is against the Village Policy to provide parking lots for businesses. He summarized the following: 1) the Village understands that some existing businesses will not meet the zoning requirement, 2) the Village is monitoring the parking situation and any zoning violations of these businesses, and 3) the Village Staff is preparing a study concerning parking problems in the Central Business District. Chairman Lee Beening asked that residents call the Police whenever they see any trespassing or illegally parked cars and that Dan Ungerleider to follow through this parking problem & zoning issues. Chairman asked Sean Won to bring this item back at the next meeting. Mary & Bill Stavropoulos of 221 South Owen Street questioned why Milbum Street has a 4 -hour parking restriction and other streets have a 2 -hour parking restriction. Commuters and businesses park their cars all day long on Milburn Avenue. Ms. Stavropoulos said that some businesses may be violating village zoning ordinances. Daniel Ungedeider will check any zoning ordinance violations. Sean Won summarized the survey result: A total 3 surveys were sent out. 2 surveys were returned. One resident favored and the other resident was against the change. Sean Won said that Mr. Erwin Krueger of 222 South William Street called him today and informed him of the following: 1) Mr. Krueger is against the proposed change because his visitors sometimes park their cars on Milbum Avenue longer than 2 hours, and 2) he did not observe cars parked all day on Milburn Avenue for the last several weeks. Chairman Lee Beening asked Sean Won to bring this hem back at the next meeting after Daniel Ungerlelder follow through any zoning ordinance violations. 1I Y MN ascral-munk, This Rem was deferred to the next meeting because two Commissioners did not attend the meeting. With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 6-0 to adjourn at 9:05 P.M., upon the motion of Commissioner Arlene Juracek. Sean Dorsey seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted. Sean S.M. Won, P.E. Traffic Engineer N Village of Mount Prospect Mount Prospect, Illinois INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: MICHAEL E.JANONIS, VILLAGE MANGER FROM: EVERETTE HILL, VILLAGE ATTORNEY—, �— SUBJECT: AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 5 - BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS DATE: JUNE 4, 1996 Please find below the suggested changes to Chapter 5 (Boards and Commissions) as discussed with the Mayor. Carol and I are recommending that this language be presented to the Village Board to find out if it is their desire to make these changes. If so, Carol will draft an Ordinance which implements this policy by amending the Code sections for each applicable Boards and/or Commission. It is also being suggested that the method of appointing the Chairman of the Safety Commission be changed to allow the Mayor and Board of Trustees to make that appointment, which would make the method of appointment consistent for all Boards and Commissions not governed by State Statutes. The Chairman of any Board or Commission shall be appointed or elected for a term of four (4) years unless stated otherwise in this Chapter 5. Each term shall commence at the time of the Chairman's appointment or election as Chairman of said Board or Commission. If the Chairman was appointed or elected to fill the term of another person, then the term of the Chairman shall expire at the end of the term of the person who has been replaced. It is the policy of the Village of Mount Prospect that no person shall serve more than two (2) consecutive terms as either the appointed or elected Chairman of the same Board or Commission. A person may give longer service only upon the recommendation of the Village President and concurring vote of at least four (4) trustees. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit a person who has been Chairman of the Board or Commission from serving further terms on that same Board or Commission in a capacity other than Chairman. Listed below are the methods of appointment and length of terms of the Chairman for Michael E. Janonis Board and Commissions June 4, 1996 Page 2 of 2 each Board and Commission serving the Village: Library Board Elect their own - by State Statute Business Development Appointed by Village Board - 4 year term and Redevelopment Board of Fire and Elect their own - by State Statute Police Commission Economic Development Appointed by Village Board - 4 year term Finance Commission Appointed by Village Boa6d - 4 year term Firemens Pension Fund Elect their own - by State Statute Plan Commission Appointed by Village Board - 4 year term Police Pension Fund Elect their own - by State Statute Safety Commission Elect their own - 1 year term Sign Review Board Appointed by Village Board - 4 year term Solid Waste Commission Appointed by Village Board - 4 year term Special Events Appointed by Village Board - 4 year term Zoning Board of Appeals Appointed by Village Board - 5 year term by State Statute Everette Hill Date: SUGGESTIONS/POSSIBLE DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETINGS SUBJECT: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE/PROBLEM INCLUDING VILLAGE CODE REFERENCE, IF APPLICABLE 11A, RESOLUTION/CHANGE cry SOUGHT. TIME FRAME FOR CONCUSION: Elected Official/Staff I concur that there should be discussion of the above -listed subject matter. Yes No Yes No Farley: Hoefert: Clowes: Skowron: Corcoran: Wilks: Hendricks: Village of Mount Prospect Mount Prospect, Illinois INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: MAYOR GERALD L. FARLEY AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES FROM: VILLAGE MANAGER DATE: MARCH 22, 1996 SUBJECT: PRIORITIZING DEFERRED ITEMS LIST SUBJECTS The following subjects were previously discussed at the March 12, 1996 Committee of the Whole as potential future COW discussion items. A total of some 29 potential subjects were identified. Upon review of the total list, it was determined that a number of items will be automatically coming back for discussion based on previous commitments or generally recurring requirements; i.e., Budget Hearings.' Staff was instructed to separate those items out of the overall list. A revised list of permissive subjects would, then be created and each Board member would assign priorities through a voting system to some or all of these subjects. The mandatoryand permissive list of subjects follows: ITEMS ALREADY SET TO APPEAR ON FUTURE COW AGENDA (NO VOTE) Northwest Central Dispatch -Radio System Commercial Vehicles in Residential Neighborhoods Weller Creek Bank Stabilization Six Month Budget Review/Pre-Budget Workshop\ Annual Budget Hearings GIS Consultant's Report Village Hall Consultants Report Review Towing Contract Review Impact of Gang Suppressing Ordinance (9/96) ITEMS THAT COULD BE THE SUBJECT OF A FUTURE COW DISCUSSION i. Review of Current Two -Can Refuse Disposal 2. Busse Road Widening 3. Wisconsin Central Commuter Line - Mitigation Plan 4. General Emergency Preparedness b. Carbon Monoxide Detectors (in all homes) G Creating o Citizen8umeyRegondingQua|ity ofMunicipal Services 7. Future Downtown Redevelopment Options . Review ofChapter 5(Appointment and ,- Reappointment of Board and Commission mombers'. Possible Term Limits and Rotation nfChairmanships) g. Review ofOpen Meetings Act Requirements iO. Review of Current Conflict of Interest Laws 11. Review ofRoberts Rules ofOrder (Parliamentary Procedure with regard hoVillage Meetings; including specific requirements set for in Village Code) � 12' Resolve Questions pfMayoral Veto Power 13. Policy Regarding Jurisdictional Transfer and Future Improvements boCamp McDonald Road 14. Seceding Juhsdiobona|Transfer mfSeminole/ Willow Road hnProspect Heights 151. Review ofVehicle Replacement Policy 16. Review of Street Improvement Program 17. Discussion regarding Prohibiting Signs in Public Rights -of -Way 18. Discuss impact ofFederal Mandates on Local Govemnment (Tenth Amendment) 19. Review ofAnnexation Opportunities 20� Review Density Requirements and Residential Redevelopment Opportunities 21Review Feasibility of Police Traffic Unit