Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/11/2002 SC minutesGlen R, Andler Mount Prospect Public Works Oepartment 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-222S Phone 847/870-5640 Fax EI47/253-Et377 Pau~ C. Bures Forestry/Grounds Superintendent Sandra M. Clark TDD 847/392-1235 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT SAFETY COMMISSION DRAFT CALL TO ORDER The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 1 I, 2002. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call: Absent: Others in Attendance: Chuck Bencic John Keane Andy Mitchell Carol Tortorello Ted Adamczyk Buz Livingston Matt Lawrie Chairman Cornmfssioner Commissioner Commissioner Police Department Fire Department Public Works/Engineering'Division Lee Beening Joan Bjork Paul Bures Commissioner Commissioner Public Works See A~achedA~endance Sheet. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Keane, moved to approve the minutes of the r~gular meeting of the Safety Commission held on December 10, 2001. The minutes were ai~proved by a vote of S-0. Commissioner Tortorello abstained. 1 Recycled Paper - Printed with Soy Ink CITIZENS TO BE HEARD Mr. Jim Sheehy, 708 See~Gwun Avenue, introduced himself as the spokesman for the residents along See-Gwun Avenue between Golf Road and Lincoln Street. See-Gwun Avenue is the only street between Busse Road and Route 83 that provides vehicular access over the creek. A petition was given to the Safety Commission requesting that the Village address the current traffic safety concerns along the street. Mr. Sheehy claims the issues of speeding and cut- through traffic began with the cOnstruction of the bridge over Weller Creek and have only gotten worse since the Route 83 Reconstruction Project. Mrl Sheehy claims the street was never intended to be a thru street and the Village forced the bridge to be constructed. As a result, the residents have had to live with the consequences and reduced property values. Also, it is his opinion that speed enforcement by the Police Department has been unsuccessful. He believes the street is an "engineering flaw" and needs to be corrected by the Village. Chairman Bencic asked Traffic Engineer Lawrie to inform the Safety Commission as to what the Village has done to date on this issue. Mr. Lawrie stated that in 2000 traffic volume and speed data was gathered. Since this was during the Route 83 Reconstruction Project, the data may not be representative of today's conditions. From the study, volume was typical for collector streets and the average speeds varied between 27-30mph. At the time, Staff determined changes were not warranted. However, through recent phone conversations with Mr. Sheehy, the Village agreed to take a closer look at the concerns later this Spring. Chairman Bencic asleed Mr.' Sheehy to expand on the issues from his perspective. Mr. Sheehy stated that the volume of cars wouldn't be a problem if motorists would adhere to the speed limit (25mph). He went on to cite different stop sign studies performed in the past along See-Gwun Avenue that didn't meet the necessary warrants. He compared other streets in the Village that had stop signs in order to address speeding concerns. Traffic Engineer Lawrie explained stop signs are not an effective solution for speeding issues. Stop signs are used-to clarify the right-of- way and have little influence on vehicles speeds over the entire block. Other concerns such as rolling stops and a false sense of security for pedestrians can be created when unwarranted stop signs are installed. Chairman Bencic explained that over the years standards may have changed and when different areas are annexed into the Village, all signs, including stop signs, remained in place. But today, the Safety Commission is reluctant to approve stop signs unless they are warranted. At this time, other residents wished to share their concerns. One issue was the sight obstruction the bridge causes for vehicles on Council Trail turning left onto See-Gwun Avenue. It is apparently difficult for motorists to see oncoming vehicles driving north on See-Gwun Avenue. Another issue is the fact the sidewalk is adjacent to the curb between Lonnquist Boulevard and the bridge which makes it dangerous for children to walk. Commissioner Mitchell asked if residents would be willing to allow the Village to move the sidewalk closer to their homes. Those that responded were unsure but thought it would be a good idea to replace the roll curb with barrier curb. Also, there is some sidewalk missing near Lonnquist Boulevard. As a result, residents claim those children waiting for the bus in the morning must stand in the street. Mr. Sheehy continued to press the issue of stop signs along the street to help slow down speeds. Other residents suggested turn restrictions, constructing a bridge at Can-dota Avenue, installing a 2 cul-de-sac at Council Trail, and installing traffic circles at intersections. Discussion continued among the Safety Commission and residents as to possible options. Commissioner Tortorello informed the residents of the following night's Village Board Meeting and the beginning discussions of the possibility of'widening Busse Road. She mentioned that this could possibly have a benefit to the issues along See-Gwun Avenue. After some more discussion, Chairman Bencic asked Traffic Engineer Lawrie when a study could be done. Mr. Lawrie said it would be done in April or May. He would like the golf course to have activity and school to still be in session so as to get the best data. Once the study has been completed, the residents would be invited back to a future Safety Commission Meeting to hear Staff's recommendations and to discuss the issue further, NEW BUSINESS A) UPDATE ON PARKING SITUATION AROUND PROSPECT HIGH SCHOOL 1) Background Information In September 2001, the Village Board of Trustees passed an ordinance restricting parking along various streets around Prospect High School during the school day. As the marching band was occupying approximately 140 spaces in the parking lot for their practice, many students were forced to find alternate parking. Some students chose to park on Village streets that caused frustrations from residents and also created traffic safety problems. The parking restrictions have been effective in reducing parking on Village streets. While most students chose an alternate way to getting to school such as carpooling, taking the bus or walking, some students found Village streets that do not have any parking restrictions. However, when band practice ended in October, students were then able to find parking spaces on school property rather than parking on Village streets. While students have been affected by the parking restrictions, residents have been affected as well. They, too, are not allowed to park on the street during the school day. One of the recommendations from the Safety Commission was for the school to build an additional parking lot on school property if the band was to continue to practice in the existing lot. If this would be done, the Village would consider repealing the parking restrictions to benefit the residents. Staff had met with school officials to discuss the parking issue and was told that an additional parking lot was being considered. However, a new lot was not expected to be built until 2004. On February 4~} the Daily Herald had an article on a new artificial turf Prospect High School was considering to purchase for the football field. The benefits include a savings in sod replacement (in the long run), athletic teams could practice and play on the field any time of the year and the band could practice on the field rather than the parking lot. The primary negative to the plan is the initial cost. The new artificial turf would cost approximately $1,000,000.00. The article did not mention a timetable for any decision. In addition, The Mount Prospect Journal has recently written two articles regarding the construction of a new parking lot. At this point, however, the School Board of Education has not 3 2) committed the funds for a new lot in the near future. The Village will continue to work with the school to find a long-term solution to their parking needs. Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided a brief overview of this issue and made the Safety Commission aware of recent articles in the newspaper regarding this subject. Commissioner Keane expressed his desire to see the school find an alternate location for band practice in order make available 140 parking spaces in the Fall. Chairman Bencic asked if the Village has received complaints from residents since the parking restriction signs were installed. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said that some students were parking on the 400 block of Forest Avenue where there are no parking restrictions. Some residents on this block did express a concern. However, since band practice ended, there have not been any complaints. No additional discussion to0k place on this issue. No formal vote was necessary. l) UPDATE ON PARKING SITUATION AROUND LIONS PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Background Information In October 2001, the Village Board of Trustees passed an ordinance restricting parking along streets around Lions Park Elementary School during the school day. The Safety Commission heard from teachers and parents about the increasing amount of vehicles dropping-off and '.picking-up students each day. In an effort to improve student safety and traffic movement around the school', Staff supported the parking restrictions. Since the new signs were installed, Staff has seen an improvement in student safety and traffic movement. However, the fact that the school does not have an off-street drop-off and pick-up area often leads to congestion along Council Trail in the morning and afternoon. With more and more students attending the school, it is evident that more and more students are being driven to school. With the presence of classroom trailers in the parking lot, it is clear that the school is in need of more space. Staff has spent a considerable amount of time over the past few years monitoring the traffic situation around the school. It is our belief that the appropriate steps have been taken along Village streets to address the needs of the school, parents and residents while addressing safety concerns. At this point, Staff does not believe additional steps are necessary on the Village's part. However, we have encouraged the school to look into possibilities that could further improve traffic movement and student safety. Currently, only kindergarten students can enter the doors off of School Street. All other students enter off of Council Trail. Based on Staff's observations, School Street is underutilized by parents for drop-off and pick-up. We have suggested to the school that they consider opening up the School Street doors to more students and educate the parents to use School Street. This will help to ease some of the congestion along Council Trail. Second, there is a small parking lot along School Street that could be used as a convenient drop- off and pick-up area. However, the school does not allow parents to use this area as it is 4 2) considered unsafe for students. We have suggested to the school that they consider modifying the area to improve safety and allow for drop-off and pick-up. Third, the Park District owns property directly north of the school. Staff has suggested that the school approach the Park District about purchasing land in order to construct additional parking and provide a dedicated drop-off and pick-up area. All of these possibilities involve decisions to be made by the school, In recent days, the Daily Herald has been reporting that the School Board of Education is considering moving kindergarten students to Lincoln Junior High School in an effort to reduce the number of students attending the elementary school. As the school makes decisions to address the issues that face them, Staff will continue to work with the school. Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided a brief overview of this issue. Mr. Lawrie mentioned that he met with the school administration and a few parents prior to the Safety Commission Meeting to discuss the current drop-off and pick-up situation. The meeting focused around ways the school could make it easier for parents to drop-off and pick-up their children. The school was appreciative of the Police Department's efforts in enforcing the parking restrictions and believed things ran smoothly when an officer was present. From the meeting, the Village was not asked to formally study or consider any more changes that affect Village streets. No additional discussion took place on this issue. No formal vote was necessary. c) 1) INFORMATION ON VARIOUS PARKING AND TURN RESTRICTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH VILLAGE PKOJECTS PARKING'KESTRICTIONS ALONG PROSPECT AVENUE Background Information As a consequence of a train-vehicle crash resulting in a fatality to a motorist in July 2000, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) directed Union Pacific and Metra trains to sound their whistles when crossing Route 83. Through subsequent discussions, the ICC agreed to lift the whistle blowing requirement as long as the Village agreed to close the left-turn lane from eastbound Prospect Avenue to northbound Route 83. Beginning July 21, 2000, the left-turn lane was closed. In August 2000, the Village hired Metro Transportation Group (Metro) of Hanover Park to study the Route 83 / Prospect Avenue intersection as well as the grade crossing. The consultant was directed to provide recommendations to improve safety. A second primary goal was to be able to reopen the left-turn lane without reinstating the whistle blowing requirement. In February 2001, Metro provided the Village recommendations that included changes to the traffic signal, railroad warning lights, pavement striping and signage. Also, it was recommended that the first two parking spaces along the north side of Prospect Avenue west of Route 83 be eliminated to improve visibility of the railroad tracks. 5 2) 3) All parties involved in the review process including the Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Department of Transportation and the Village supported the recommendations. During the summer of 2001, the recommendations were implemented included eliminating the two parking spaces. The left-mm lane was then reopened in November. In addition, the whistle blowing requirement was not reinstated with the reopening of the left-mm lane. The first 70' west of Route 83 along the north side of Prospect Avenue is cross-hatched in yellow to warn motorists to not park in the area. It has been effective as Staffhas not observed vehicles parking in this area. By not having vehicles parking near the intersection, eastbound Prospect Avenue motorists have a little better visibility of seeing inbound trains approaching the station. Based on observations, Staff does not believe the parking changes have impacted the businesses significantly. There are still ample parking spaces along both sides of Prospect Avenue for patrons of the businesses. Section 18.2005 of the Village Code details those portions of streets that when signs are erected giving notice thereof, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle. The portion of Prospect Avenue affected by the request would be included in this section of the Village Code. The Village Board of Trustees previously supported the changes made at the intersection to improve safety. Recommendation As a result of the improvements from this project: The Engineering Staff recommends to approve No Stopping, Standing Parking Any Time signs along the north side of Prospect Avenue for the first 70' west of Route 83. Discussion Traffic Engineer .Lawrie made a brief presentation on this issue. Commissioner Tortorello asked if the intersections of Route 83 & Prospect Avenue and Emerson Street & Prospect Avenue have no left turn signs facing eastbound traffic when a train is approaching. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that the Route 83 & Prospect Avenue intersection has no left mm signs that illuminate when a train is approaching. The Emerson Street & Prospect Avenue intersection has warning lights that face eastbound traffic and flash when a train is approaching. No additional discussibn took place on this issue. No formal vote was necessary. 1) PAKKING RESTRICTIONS ALONG PROSPECT AVENUE Background Information Prior to construction of the lofts and shops along the north side of Northwest Highway between Route 83 and Emerson Street, Northwest Highway had two lanes in each direction along with a center left-turn lane. In order to provide convenient parking for the new shops, the Village allowed a parking lane to be constructed along the north side of the street. 10 new parking spaces are now available. 6 2) 3) As the lofts and shops are still under construction, construction workers primarily occupy the spaces during the day. Temporary parking restriction signs (2-hour Parking, 7am-6pm) have recently been installed by Public Works to avoid having commuters park in the spaces all day. The proposed 2-hour parking restrictions are consistent with parking restrictions on adjacent streets. The time limit will allow people to visit local shops and restaurants while preventing business employees, commuters and local residents from occupying these spaces all day. The spaces along Northwest Highway are not intended to be for long-term parking. The two- hour time limit will ensure a quicker turnaround than long-term parking and provide a greater opportunity for available spaces. Other Village streets in the area allow for a longer time limit for parking. Also, underground parking and street level parking on private property xvill be provided as part of the development along the north side of Northwest Highway. In addition, ample parking spaces are provided in the commuter lots as well as along Prospect Avenue for those using the train. As stated above, temporary signs have been installed in the area. Prior to the opening of the first store, it would be Staffs intention to have permanent signs installed. Therefore, in order to assist the Police Department in enforcing the Village's desire to restrict parking along the north side of Northwest Highway, Staff believes it appropriate to include the parking restriction area in the Village Code. Section 18.201t details those portions of streets that when signs are erected giving notice thereof, no person shall park a vehicle for more than two hours on any day except for Sundays and legal hoI~days between the hours of 7am. and 6pm. The portion of North¥~est Highway affected by the request would be included in this section of the Villhge Code. The Village Board of Trustees has supported the improvements made along Northwest Highway and the adjacent developments. Recommendation As a result of the improvements from this project: The Engineering Staff recommends to approve 2-Hour Parking 7am~6£m signs along the north side of Northwest Highway between Route 83 and Emerson Street. Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie made a brief presentation on this issue. Commissioner Tortorello asked if the Village Code was clear that vehicles could park for an unlimited amount of time in the spaces after 6pm. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded the Village Code detailed the days and hours that the parking restrictions only applied. Chairman Bencic questioned whether the parking spaces were wide enough to prevent open doors of parked cars from being hit by Northwest Highway traffic. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that the spaces were standard width and any driver would have to use caution before opening the door. The situation was not much different than other on-street parking areas in the Village. 7 No additional discussion took place on this issue. No formal vote was necessary. TRUCK TURN RESTRICTIONS AT NORTHWEST HIGHWAY & EMERSON STREET l) 2) Background Information In the summer of 2001, the Village began a downtown streetscape project that included improvements to the intersection of Northwest Highway and Emerson Street. Before construction, Emerson Street had two northbound lanes at Northwest Highway. Traffic in the left lane could mm left or continue straight. Traffic in the right lane could mm right or also continue straight. On the north side of Northwest Highway, the curb lane allowed for parking. Therefore, there was only one northbound lane. Often times, vehicles traveling north on Emerson Street would have to merge into one lane when crossing Northwest Highway. In order to correct this sitm/tion, the Village designed the left lane to be left only. This has helped to reduce the potential of vehicles stacked across the railroad tracks. The fight lane may turn right onto Northwest Highway or continue straight. To keep northbound vehicles in the travel lane on the north side of Northwest Highway, a curb extension was constructed. Another benefit to the curb extension is it allows for less crossing distance across Emerson Street for pedestrians. It also provides for more storage of pedestrians. Many pedestrians are present in the downtown area because of the train station as well as the shops and restaurants. Staffwas aware that the new configuration of the intersection may make it difficult for trucks to make the Gm onto northbound Emerson- Street without swinging out into-the southbound lanes or traveling on the sidewalk. The design included signs that Would be installed to prevent truck~ from turning at this location. Even though signs have only been installed to prevent trucks from turning onto northbound Emerson Street, Staff is considering restricting turn movements for trucks onto southbound Emerson Street as well. There is only one southbound lane south of Northwest Highway. Trucks, therefore, have a difficult time staying in their lane when making the turn. Section 18.2017 details restricted intersection movements. The Village Code would include no right tums from northwestbound Northwest Highway onto northbound Emerson Street and no left tums from southeastbound Northwest Highway onto northbound Emerson Street for trucks. In addition, the Village Code may include no right tums from southeastbound Northwest Highway onto southbound Emerson Street and no left tums from northwestbound Northwest Highway onto southbound Emerson Street for trucks. The Village Board of Trustees has supported the improvements made as part of the downtown streetscape project. Recommendation As a result of the improvements from this project: The Engineering Staff recommends to approve no right turns and left turns from Northwest Highway onto Emerson Street for trucks. 8 3) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie made a brief presentation on this issue. Captain Livingston expressed a concern with the potential difficulty of emergency vehicles making the mm from northwestbound Northwest Highway onto southbound Emerson Street. He is not aware of any previous problems but if they begin to occur, he would ask that Staff consider moving the stop bar back to allow emergency vehicles to make the turn. Chairman Bencic asked the definition of a truck as it applies to this situation. Commissioner Mitchell responded that he believes any vehicle that has a D license is considered a truck. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the mm restriction applies to any long vehicle that cannot make the turn. No additional discussion took place on this issue. No formal vote was necessary. 1) TURN RESTRICTIONS ALONG ROUTE 83 Background Information Many of the signs that were removed as part of the Route 83 Reconstruction Project have only recently been re-installed by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Staff has taken the opportunity to review the Village Code to make sure IDOT has installed the appropriate sig'ns. Based on our review of the Village Code and observations of the signs in the field, Staff has determined it necessary to add and delete some turn restrictions from the Village Code. There are 5 turn restrictions that should be deleted from the 'Village Code based on Staff's review. These turn restrictions were enacted at the time Route 83 and Lincoln Street did not have a traffic signal. With the installation of the traffic signal many years ago and the reconfiguration of the intersection, the mm restrictions should have been removed from the Village Code at that time. In any event, it is appropriate for the following turn restrictions to be' removed from Section 18.2002 (Prohibited Tums) of the Village Code: Name of Street Direction Prohibited Turn Onto Elmhurst Ave. Southbound Left Lincoln St. Elmhurst Ave. Southbound Left Route 83 Route 83 Northbound Left Elmhurst Ave. Route 83 Southbound Right Elmhurst Ave. Route 83 Northbound Left Lincoln St. There are 2 mm restrictions that should be added to Section 18.2002 of the Village Code based on Staff's review. Signs have been in place for many years at the intersection of Route 83 and Milbum Avenue even though the turn restrictions are not specified in the Village Code. This stretch of Route 83 is often congested because of the intersection's close proximity to the railroad tracks and allowing certain turning movements would be difficult and add to the congestion. Therefore, the signs are appropriate.and should remain in place. The following turn restrictions will be added to the Village Code: ) 3) Name of Street Direction Route 83 Northbound Route 83 Southbound Prohibited Turn Onto Left Milbum Ave. Left Milbum Ave. Section 18.2017 details restricted intersection movements. Milbum Avenue at Route 83 has signs in place that allow right tums only onto Route 83. Again, because of the intersection's close proximity to the railroad tracks, the signs are appropriate and should remain in place. The Village Code will include right tums only from eastbound and westbound Milbum Avenue onto Route 83. Recommendation As a result of the improvements from this project: The Engineering Staff recommends to approve the additions and deletions of the above- mentioned turn restrictions to the Village Code, Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie made a brief presentation on this issue. Commissioner Tortorello asked ifa motorist on Milburn Avenue is allowed to cross Route 83 and continue on. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that according to the signs in-place, a motorist is only allowed to mm right onto Route 83 whether driving eastbound or westbound on Milbum Avenue. No addi.tional dis'cussio~'tob.k place on this issue. No formal vote was..nec, essary. D) l) INFORMATION ON 2002 STATE AND COUNTY ROAD PROJECTS Background Information The following road work has been scheduled by the Illinois Department of Transportation and Cook County Highway Department for 2002 in the Village of Mount Prospect. 2. 3. 4. 5. Algonquin Road Resurfacing Project- Arlington Heights Road to Wolf Road Golf Road Resurfacing Project - Arlington Heights Road to. Wolf Road Busse Road Resurfacing Project- Golf Road to 1-90 Toll~vay. River Road Resurfacing Project- Milwaukee Avenue to Golf Road Route 83 Cmcksealing Project - Golf Road to 1-90 Tollway In addition, Cook County has scheduled the widening of Busse Road between Central Road and Golf Road as part of their 5-year plan. Staffwill be in attendance at the March 12, 2002 Village Board Meeting to begin discussions of this future project. Residents in the area have been notified of the meeting and invited to share their opinions. As of yet, the exact scope of the project has not been determined,. In the near future, Staff will meet with Cook County representatives to discuss the specifics of the project. ) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie made a presentation on this issue. There was some discussion among the Safety CommissiOn members over the benefits of widening Busse Road such as alleviating traffic congestion. No additional discussion took place on this issue. No formal vote was necessary. OTHER COMMISSION ISSUES Commissioner Keane asked if See-Gwun Avenue was scheduled to be resurfaced in the near future. Traffic Engineer Lawrie believed it was but was unsure of the limits and the year it isto be done. Commissioner Keane thought if any changes were to be made to the roadway as a result of a traffic study, it would be good to incorporate them into the resurfacing project~ Commissioner Tortorello added that it may be possible to install sidewalk along See-Gm Avenue with block grant funds if it becomes available. No other Safety CommissiOn items were brought forth at this time. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Safety commission voted 6-0 to adjourn at 9:15 p.m. 'iii)on th$.motion of Commissioner Keane. Commissioner Tortorello seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Traffic Engineer x:kfitesXen gineerXsa fecomm\tr a ffic~rec s&min~nar ch02rain.doc