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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/2012 TSC MinutesDirector Sean P. Dorsey Mount Prospect Public Works Department 1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056 -2229 MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT TRANSPORTATION SAFETY COMMISSION CALL TO ORDER Deputy Director Jason H. Leib The regular meeting of the Mount Prospect Transportation Safety Commission was called to order at 7:04 p.m. on Monday, January 9, 2012. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call: John Keane Angel Campos Robert Fisher Ed Szmergalski Henry Dawson Paul Bures Matt Lawrie Absent: Chuck Bencic Carol Tortorello Others in Attendance: See attached sheets APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Police Department Representative Fire Department Representative Public Works Representative Traffic Engineer —Staff Liaison Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Campos, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on December 12, 2011. The minutes were approved by a vote of 6 -0. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There was no one in attendance that spoke on an issue not on the agenda. TSC Meeting Page 1 of 9 January 9, 2012 OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to discuss. NEW BUSINESS A. SEE -GWUN AVENUE TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT 1) Background Information See -Gwun Avenue between Lincoln Street and Golf Road is a north -south collector street near the Mount Prospect Golf Club and Lincoln Middle School. While designed like most of the local, residential streets in the neighborhood, it has the only bridge over Weller Creek. As a result, it carries more traffic than a local street. Between Lincoln Street and Lonnquist Boulevard, the street is 26' wide (back -of -curb to back -of -curb) with slight curves and a hill on the 700 block. Between Lonnquist Boulevard and Golf Road, the street is 31' wide (back -of -curb to back -of -curb) and is straight and flat. In 2002, a resident petition requested that the Village address the high volumes and speeds along See -Gwun Avenue. During the next few years, a number of traffic studies took place. Improvements that were made included removing sight obstructions near the intersections, adding Stop signs at Council Trail, constructing sidewalk along the 700 block, and implementing an aggressive Police enforcement campaign geared at slowing vehicles. Some residents were still unsatisfied with the results and wanted more done to curb the speeding. In 2005, a group of residents requested that speed humps be installed along the street. At the time, the Village had just begun to experiment with traffic calming measures but did not have a formal program. There weren't any streets that had speed humps and the Village Board directed Staff to install a series of them along See -Gwun Avenue as an experimental project. Construction of seven speed humps took place in 2006. In 2007, a neighborhood meeting was held to discuss the results of a Village post- study. While recorded speeds were lower, there were a number of negative outcomes including a shift in traffic to adjacent streets, slower response by emergency vehicles, an increase in noise from braking and accelerating over the humps, and their overall appearance. Among the residents along See -Gwun Avenue, half of them supported the speed humps while half wanted them removed. The Village Board agreed that the speed humps ought to be removed primarily based on their negative effect on emergency vehicle response. However, until an alternate plan could be developed and agreed upon the speed humps would remain. Over the next few years many discussions took place on a traffic calming program. And in summer of 2011 one was adopted. At the time, it was agreed that developing an alternative traffic calming plan along See -Gwun Avenue would be the first project to follow the process outlined in the plan. Since then, the Engineering Division with the cooperation of the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department, and Village Manager's Office, has developed an alternate plan that adheres to the guidelines in the traffic calming program. TSC Meeting Page 2 of 9 January 9, 2012 2) Speed Humps The speed humps along See -Gwun Avenue were installed at the direction of the Village Board in 2006. A series of seven, 3" high asphalt speed humps spaced approximately 300' apart were used to slow vehicles. Prior to installing the speed humps, a traffic study was performed to gather volume and speed data. North of Lonnquist Boulevard, the average speed was 26 mph and the 85 percentile speed was 30 mph. South of Lonnquist Boulevard, the average speed was 31 mph and the 85 percentile speed was 36 mph. The posted speed limit on See -Gwun Avenue is 25 mph. Daily volumes were approximately 1000 vehicles except along the block that has the bridge over Weller Creek. Here, the daily volume was approximately 2000 vehicles. Two post- studies were then done after installation of the speed humps. North of Lonnquist Boulevard, the average speed dropped to 23 mph and the 85 percentile speed was 28 mph. South of Lonnquist Boulevard, the average speed dropped to 23 mph and the 85 percentile speed was 28 mph. Daily volumes were approximately 600 vehicles except along the block that has the bridge over Weller Creek. Here, the daily volume was approximately 1700 vehicles. The speed humps have had their greatest impact on the 800 and 900 blocks, south of Lonnquist Boulevard. Speeds have been reduced to make them more typical to surrounding residential streets. Speeds north of Lonnquist Boulevard have not significantly changed as pre- speed humps speeds were within range of other neighborhood streets. Overall volumes have reduced, on the magnitude of 40% on some blocks, displacing vehicles to adjacent streets. Both We -Go Trail and Na -Wa -Ta Avenue have experienced an increase in traffic volume. With See -Gwun Avenue defined as a collector street, 400 vehicles per day are now using other routes. The last resident survey was done in 2007. 56% of those that responded favored keeping the speed humps. This was slightly down from the initial survey before installation of the speed humps. Residents perceived speeds to be lower but were concerned with delays in emergency response, noise and aesthetics. Residents on We -Go Trail and Na -Wa -Ta Avenue are displeased with the increase in traffic on their streets. 3) Traffic Calming Program In July 2011, the Residential Traffic Calming Program was adopted by the Village Board. This comprehensive plan covers a number of aspects of traffic calming including minimum criteria, the process to consider a project, and acceptable types of measures. It was agreed that developing an alternate traffic calming plan for See -Gwun Avenue would be the first project to follow the adopted program. See -Gwun Avenue is defined as a collector street. As such, there are restrictions as to the types of traffic calming measures that can be used. The program specifically states "Primary emergency vehicle response routes and collector streets are not eligible for vertical deflection measures. This is because it is not only imperative that emergency vehicles not be hindered while responding to an emergency but just as important that the outcome not result in a significant redistribution of traffic within a neighborhood." Therefore, speed humps are not be used on See -Gwun Avenue. Another important factor in considering traffic calming measures for See -Gwun Avenue is what blocks actually qualify. The Village is not going to place traffic calming measures on every street. They are reserved for those streets that continue to experience high speeds and volumes after more conventional methods such as signs and police enforcement have not resolved the TSC Meeting Page 3 of 9 January 9, 2012 concerns. It is expected that traffic calming will be considered on the 5 — 10% of neighborhood streets that have excessive speeds and volumes compared to typical numbers in the Village. For a street to qualify for traffic calming measures according to the program, at least one of the criteria thresholds below must be met: Speed* The average speed is at least 5 mph above the speed limit The 85" percentile speed is at least 9 mph above the speed limit Volume ** The average daily traffic is at least 1000 vehicles The peak hour volume is at least 120 vehicles * the 20 mph school speed limit is to be used along streets adjacent to schools, when applicable signs are in place, and when enhancing pedestrian safety is a primary goal; in all other cases the standard posted speed limit for the street is to be used ** applies only to collector streets adjacent to high pedestrian generator facilities (schools, churches, parks, etc.) and local streets 4) Pre- existing Traffic Conditions The recorded average and 85 percentile speeds north of Lonnquist Boulevard before installation of the speed humps were typical for most neighborhood streets and do not meet the speed criteria. South of Lonnquist Boulevard, the average and 85 percentile speeds were 6 mph and 11 mph above the posted speed limit, respectively. This segment of roadway has exceeded the threshold for traffic calming measures. Here, the focus would be to slow vehicles without displacing them to adjacent streets. With respect to traffic volume, the criteria have been created to primarily address those local streets that experience cut through traffic. Most collector streets are exempt since the Village is not looking to shift traffic from collector streets onto local streets. However, for those collector streets adjacent to a high pedestrian generator facility, the criteria does apply with the goal to enhance pedestrian safety. For See -Gwun Avenue, the 600 block in front of the Mount Prospect Golf Club (high pedestrian generator facility) does exceed the volume threshold. 5) The Alternate Plan Taking these factors into consideration, the Engineering Division developed a preliminary alternate plan for See -Gwun Avenue. It involved removing all seven speed humps and replacing them with a combination of median islands, signs, pavement markings and sidewalk work. The plan was reviewed by the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works Department and Village Manager's Office. After further refinement, it has now been passed onto the Village Board, Transportation Safety Commission and residents. The four blocks between Lincoln Street and Lonnquist Boulevard do not qualify for traffic calming measures to reduce speed or volume. However, the block adjacent to the Mount Prospect Golf Club does qualify for measures to enhance pedestrian safety, if appropriate. Given the roadway is already narrow, there is a 4 -way Stop with painted crosswalks at Council Trail, and painted crosswalks at Sha -Bonee Trail, there is little more that is necessary. The plan does, however, recommend pedestrian crossing signs at Sha -Bonee Trail to enhance pedestrian safety. TSC Meeting Page 4 of 9 January 9, 2012 One of the issues that surfaced during previous resident meetings was the roll curb with adjacent sidewalk along the 700 block. Residents expressed concern that motorists were driving and parking on the sidewalk. The Engineering Division considered various options including relocating the sidewalk back to the right -of -way line. However, cost and the amount of disruption to existing landscaping and trees prohibit this option. The Engineering Division is recommending that the 4" high roll curb be replaced with 4" high barrier curb and the sidewalk remain behind the curb. This solution is less disruptive and more economical, and should discourage motorists from riding up on the sidewalk. The final recommendation for the four blocks between Lincoln Street and Lonnquist Boulevard is to add bike route signs and possibly bike markings (sharrows). The proposed Village of Mount Prospect Bicycle Plan calls for portions of Lincoln Street, Council Trail, Lonnquist Boulevard and the section of See -Gwun Avenue between Lincoln Street and Lonnquist Boulevard to be part of the bike network (see attached bike network map). Signing and marking these routes are part of the Bicycle Plan's recommendations. Once the Bicycle Plan is approved, the Engineering Division will evaluate the appropriate way to mark the bike route along See -Gwun Avenue. Installing bike signs and markings may have an added benefit of slowing vehicles but their primary purpose is to enhance the safety of bicyclists. The two blocks between Lonnquist Boulevard and Golf Road call for a series of three median islands. These islands would be located where speed humps exist today. The design of the islands would vary between 25' and 30' long, be 8' wide and have decorative brick similar to the downtown with a tree in the middle. There would be yellow pavement markings, signs and reflective markers to help motorists negotiate around the islands. The lane width would be narrowed to 10' to cause motorists to slow down. It would still be wide enough for fire trucks and other large vehicles to pass by. Parking would be prohibited adjacent to the islands similar to what it is today with the speed humps. The expectation is that speeds will continue to be lower than speeds prior to the speed humps, there will be fewer vehicles shifting to adjacent streets, and the islands will enhance the look of the street. 6) Cost Estimate The total cost estimate for the project is $111,600.00 and is broken down as follows: Remove speed humps — $11,500.00 Bike signs, pedestrian crossing signs & markings — $1,700.00 Barrier curb (700 block) — $69,700.00 Median islands — $28,700.00 Funds have been allocated in the 2012 Village Budget for this project. It is anticipated that it would be built as part of the annual resurfacing program. All future maintenance costs would be done by the Public Works Department and would be factored in future budgets. 7) Recommendation After much research and adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Residential Traffic Calming Program, the Village Traffic Engineer recommends that the Transportation Safety Commission approve the alternate traffic calming plan for See -Gwun Avenue. TSC Meeting Page 5 of 9 January 9, 2012 8) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie made a detailed presentation touching on previous traffic studies, effects of the speed humps, and details of the alternate plan. He reminded the Commission that per the guidelines of the Traffic Calming Program that at the end of the meeting they were to approve the plan as presented, approve it with some modifications, or reject it and direct Staff to revise it and bring it back for further discussion. Chairman Keane asked how close the median islands would be to driveways and questioned whether the sidewalk would have to be removed when replacing the curb along the 700 block. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that the median islands would be approximately 7' from the edge of the driveways and the plan would be to not disturb the sidewalk when replacing the curb. Commissioner Campos expressed concern that the median islands would be too close to driveways making it difficult for someone with a recreational vehicle to maneuver in and out of the driveway. Commissioner Fisher made reference to a comment received from one of the residents that a speed hump is located on the wrong side of a storm inlet. He asked that this be reviewed should the speed humps remain. With no further questions or comments from the Commission, Chairman Keane opened the discussion to the audience. Tom and Lisa Hatzopoulos, 811 See -Gwun Avenue, were not in favor of losing parking in front of their house for the median island. They believed the median islands would not work and suggested other solutions be considered such as adding Stop signs or installing a traffic circle at Sunset Road. It was their belief that the speeders were golf course patrons and the Village should consider directing traffic from the golf course down Council Trail rather than See -Gwun Avenue. If the speeding problem was caused by residents, the traffic signal timing along Route 83 ought to be adjusted to favor the neighborhood. Finally, they asked that the sidewalk along the 700 block be widened to make is safer for pedestrians. Commissioner Fisher reminded the audience that the traffic signals along Route 83 are under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department of Transportation and not the Village. Sergeant Szmergalski responded to the difficulty of actually quantifying golf course versus resident traffic. Bob Pearson, 711 See -Gwun Avenue, would like to see the sidewalk along the 700 block moved back a couple of feet from the curb. He believes this would improve pedestrian safety. Robert Pavone, 406 See -Gwun Avenue, commented that See -Gwun Avenue is not a collector street based on design and should not be defined as one. He is not a supporter of speed humps but has seen a difference in speeds and does not want them removed in lieu of nothing. C. Tiedemann, 922 See -Gwun Avenue, suggested that a barrier be constructed at See -Gwun Avenue and Golf Road to limit thru traffic traveling on the street. Joan Parojcic, 819 See -Gwun Avenue, suggested installing a speed camera on See -Gwun Avenue. John and Kathleen Fox, 516 See -Gwun Avenue, support keeping the speed humps as they have slowed traffic on the street. Another option would be to widen the street and install a TSC Meeting Page 6 of 9 January 9, 2012 landscaped median similar to Lonnquist Boulevard. Mr. Fox questioned whether there have been any fatalities because of slow emergency vehicle response. Battalion Chief Dawson responded that any traffic calming device slows their response but is not aware of any fatalities. Pam Nelson, 408 See -Gwun Avenue, believes that parking will need to be eliminated in order for emergency vehicles and snow plow trucks to negotiate down the street. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that fire and snow plow trucks will be able to get by the median islands without parking in front of the median islands and the transition on either side, but parking would be allowed everywhere else. Diana Miller, 902 See -Gwun Avenue, is concerned that residents with trailers will not be able to pull in and out of their driveway with the median islands. Gary Schumacher, 814 See -Gwun Avenue, does not believe the median islands will slow down traffic. He would prefer to see Stop signs installed on See -Gwun Avenue and Sunset Road. Traffic Engineer Lawrie explained that Stop signs are used to define the right -of -way at an intersection and not as a speed control device. Dan Mihalopoulos, 405 See -Gwun Avenue, does not like See -Gwun Avenue labeled as a collector street and suggested that the Village not promote it as one. If it were not one then the speed humps could remain. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that the 400 — 700 blocks do not qualify for traffic calming measures regardless whether the street is defined as a collector or local street. Mr. Mihalopoulos questioned whether there was any documentation showing that the speed humps have impeded emergency vehicle response. Battalion Chief Dawson was not aware of anything specific. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said there was a fire shortly after installation of the speed humps that affected the Fire Department's response. He believes there is a memorandum from the Fire Chief stating his concerns with the speed humps. Bob Pearson spoke again and suggested See -Gwun Avenue become a one -way street. Don Langenfeld, 809 See -Gwun Avenue, does not believe median islands will slow down traffic and is not in favor of losing on- street parking in front of his house. He expressed appreciation for the Commission's efforts but asked that other alternatives be considered. Carol Blatnick, 815 See -Gwun Avenue, asked that the Commission look at changing people's behavior rather than focusing on traffic calming. Robert Pavone spoke again and thought that the speed humps were being removed on the 400 — 700 blocks because See -Gwun Avenue is defined as a collector street. Traffic Engineer Lawrie tried to explain that as part of the Traffic Calming Program that the 400 — 700 blocks do not qualify for any type of traffic calming device because it hasn't met the criteria. Mr. Pavone requested that nothing be done to the street. Bob Pearson spoke again and shared with the Commission he doesn't understand the traffic volume numbers. Lisa Hatzopoulos spoke again and suggested the Village consider developing a beautification plan for the entire neighborhood to give the area a more natural /rural look in order to slow down traffic. She reiterated her position that other alternatives need to be explored. Chairman Keane brought the discussion back to the Commission. TSC Meeting Page 7 of 9 January 9, 2012 Commissioner Campos does not favor the median islands but suggested they be made smaller should they be approved. He believes the median islands will negatively affect snow plow and leaf removal operations and does not like the idea of losing on- street parking. He is concerned median islands will affect home resale value. He suggested the Village once again look at speed limit enforcement as a tool to slow down vehicles and consider other alternatives for the street. Commissioner Fisher also expressed concern with the median islands as they may prove difficult for large vehicles to pull in and back out of driveways. Also, with the present state of the economy, he wants to make sure the Village is spending its money wisely. Battalion Chief Dawson said that any traffic calming device will affect emergency vehicle response but it isn't a make or break deal for the Fire Department. Sergeant Szmergalski said the Police Department tends not to use See -Gwun Avenue because of the speed humps but they will continue to provide enforcement regardless of the situation. Public Works Superintendent Bures said that snow plow and leaf pick up services would be provided regardless of the traffic calming device. He mentioned that not everyone will agree with any plan that is presented but the Commission needs to consider what is economical and safe. He said that the Engineering Division put a lot of thought into this plan and if it helps with improving safety he supports it. Chairman Keane didn't believe there was support to approve the plan as presented. He suggested that the plan could be modified to reduce the number of median islands from three to two, the sidewalk along the 700 block be moved back from the street, and the bike signs and markings be removed from the plan and discussed separately. Traffic Engineer Lawrie responded that if the Commission would like to consider relocating the sidewalk along the 700 block Staff should once again gauge the support from the residents. Staff can put together a design and cost estimate but it may not be supported by the residents. There was some additional discussion about the median islands and their effectiveness. Commissioner Campos made a motion to reject the plan presented by Staff. He would like to see the median islands removed from the plan and replaced with a different traffic calming measure, look at the design and cost implications of relocating the sidewalk along the 700 block, and remove the bike route signs and markings from the plan. It was seconded by Commissioner Fisher. Chairman Keane asked to hear the vote of each individual. Commissioner Campos — aye Commissioner Fisher —aye Chairman Keane — no Public Works Superintendent Bures — no Police Officer Szmergalski — aye Fire Battalion Chief Dawson — aye The motion passed by a vote of 4 - 2. Chairman Keane agreed, per the guidelines of the Traffic Calming Program, that Staff would review the comments and consider other traffic calming alternatives for the street. The issue would again be discussed with the neighborhood at a date to be determined. TSC Meeting Page 8 of 9 January 9, 2012 COMMISSION ISSUES There was no one who spoke on any Commission issues. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 6 -0 to adjourn at 9:43 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Fisher. Commissioner Campos seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\ engi nee ring\ traffic\ safety_ commission \recs &mins\ anuary12min.docx TSC Meeting Page 9 of 9 January 9, 2012