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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. Transportation Safety Commission Minutes 6/11/2012Director 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 DRAFT CALL TO ORDER Deputy Director Jason H. Leib The regular meeting of the Mount Prospect Transportation Safety Commission was called to order at 7:03 p.m. on Monday, June 11, 2012. ROLL CALL Present upon roll call: John Keane Chuck Bencic Angel Campos Robert Fisher Justin Kuehlthau Carol Tortorello Mark Bonner Dane Phenegar Jeff Wulbecker Matt Lawrie Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Police Department Representative Fire Department Representative Public Works Representative Traffic Engineer —Staff Liaison Absent: None Others in Attendance: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Fisher, seconded by Commissioner Campos, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on January 9, 2012. The minutes were approved by a vote of 6 -0 with Commissioners Bencic, Kuehlthau and Tortorello abstaining. Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Village Engineer Wulbecker, moved to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Transportation Safety Commission held on April 9, 2012. The minutes were approved by a vote of 6 -0 with Commissioner Campos, Sergeant Bonner and Battalion Chief Phenegar abstaining. TSC Meeting Page 1 of 9 June 11, 2012 CITIZENS TO BE HEARD There was no one in attendance that spoke on an issue not on the agenda. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business to discuss. NEW BUSINESS A. AZTEC LANE PARKING STUDY 1) Background Information In 1996, a traffic study was performed along Aspen Drive adjacent to Frost Elementary School. At that time, Aspen Drive was converted to a one -way northbound street with parking prohibited along the west side of the street during drop- off /pick -up times. A review of Aztec Lane was not included in the previous study. Jeffrey Brusso, principal at Frost Elementary School, and the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) have raised traffic congestion and pedestrian safety concerns along Aztec Lane between Aralia Drive and Burning Bush Lane. Current Traffic Regulations 1. Parking is prohibited along the north side of Aztec Lane within the influence of the Oneida Lane intersection. 2. Parking is prohibited along the south side of Aztec Lane for the first 20' west of Oneida Lane. 3. Access down Oneida Lane is prohibited during specific hours of the school day. 4. Parking is prohibited between 2:OOAM and 600AM on all Village streets. Current Layout 1. Many of the streets in the neighborhood including Aztec Lane are approximately 27' wide (back -of -curb to back -of- curb). 2. There are painted crosswalks across Aztec Lane at Aspen Drive as well as Oneida Lane. School crossing signs are also visible in advance of and at the crosswalks. 3. Aztec Lane & Aralia Drive is controlled with stop signs on Aztec Lane. Aztec Lane & Aspen Drive is controlled with a single Stop sign on Aspen Drive. Aztec Lane & Oneida Lane is uncontrolled. Aztec Lane & Burning Bush Lane is controlled with a single Stop sign on Aztec Lane. Current Traffic Conditions 1. The school day begins at 9:OOAM and ends at 3:30PM. 2. Busses drop -off and pick -up students in the school parking lot on Aspen Drive. 3. A majority of parents drop -off and pick -up their child in the small parking lot directly in front of the school. 4. There are multi - family housing complexes along the north side of Seminole Lane northeast of the school. Many students and parents who live in this area walk to and from school. They cross Seminole Lane at Burning Bush Lane, walk along the north side of Aztec Lane to Oneida Lane, cross the street and continue on Oneida Lane to the school. S. The Engineering Staff recently noticed that an adult volunteer now assists students and parents crossing Aztec Lane at Oneida Lane. TSC Meeting Page 2 of 9 June 11, 2012 6. During the morning drop -off, there is a brief period of traffic congestion along Aztec Lane. Motorists will park either at Oneida Lane or Aspen Drive on both sides of the street. While a majority of parents will stop for the child to get out of the vehicle and then leave, some will park and walk their child to the school. 7. There is not any significant traffic congestion during the midday. 8. During the afternoon pick -up, vehicles park on both sides of Aztec Lane between Aralia Drive and Burning Bush Lane. Adding to the traffic congestion, parents who have picked -up their child on Aspen Drive continue north and turn onto Aztec Lane. Busses too travel north on Aspen Drive and must turn onto Aztec Lane. The traffic congestion lasts approximately 20 minutes. 2) Issues The principal and members of the PTO conveyed several traffic - related issues to the Engineering Staff during our meetings. The Engineering Staff also spent several days observing the traffic throughout the semester. The issues include: 1. Two -way traffic cannot be maintained with vehicles parked on both sides of Aztec Lane. Traffic congestion was evident, particularly during the afternoon drop -off. 2. Busses had a difficult time turning from Aspen Drive onto Aztec Lane with vehicles parked near the intersection. 3. Emergency vehicles would have a difficult time travelling on the street during the morning drop -off and afternoon pick -up times. 4. Students were observed walking across Aztec Lane at non - crosswalk locations to /from vehicles on the north side of the street. 5. Vehicles parked near intersections make it difficult to see students in the crosswalks. 6. Motorists were observed making a U -turn from westbound Aztec Lane to eastbound at the Oneida Lane intersection. This was done near students crossing the street. 7. Residents have complained that it can be difficult for them to access their driveways during the school day. A notification letter was sent to the 18 properties along Aztec Lane and to the school soliciting their comments on this issue. The Village received nine completed surveys. All surveys support enacting a parking restriction during the school day to address the traffic congestion. Driveway access, Mocked mailboxes, and student visibility with vehicles parked on both sides of the street were concerns raised by the residents. 3) Recommendation 1. To provide safe and efficient traffic flow along Aztec Lane, it will be important to allow parking only on one side of the street during peak travel times. By doing so, two -way traffic can be maintained, emergency vehicles can easily access adjacent homes, and residents can get in and out of their driveways. And by not allowing parents to drop -off and pick -up their child on the north side of Aztec Lane, students will less likely cross the street at non - crosswalk locations. Recommendation: Prohibit Stopping, Standing, Parking School Days 8:OOAM- 9:30AM and 3:OOPM- 4:OOPM along the north side of Aztec Lane between Aralia Drive and Burning Bush Lane. The timeframe would be consistent with the parking restriction along Aspen Drive in front of the school. 2. Should the above recommendation be approved, the existing No Parking signs along the north side of Aztec Lane within the influence of the Oneida Lane intersection will no longer be necessary. Recommendation: Remove the No Parking signs along the north side of Aztec Lane within the influence of the Oneida Lane intersection. TSC Meeting Page 3 of 9 June 11, 2012 3. Keeping vehicles from parking near intersections allows pedestrians to be more visible when crossing the street. It will also allow vehicles, especially busses, to easily turn onto Aztec Lane from Aspen Drive. A sign is currently in place that prohibits parking on the south side of Aztec Lane near Oneida Lane. Recommendation: Prohibit parking at any time along the south side of Aztec Lane 20' either side of Aspen Drive. 4. Many students and parents cross Aztec Lane at Oneida Lane during the school day. Vehicles that perform a U -turn at the intersection affect pedestrian safety. Recommendation: Per Village Code that prohibits U -turns at locations that would create a safety concern, install a U -turn sign for westbound Aztec Lane traffic at Oneida Lane. 5. If any of the above recommendations are approved, they should be implemented during the summer months before the new school year begins in August. Notification to parents and police presence during the first week of school will be important to provide a smooth transition. Recommendation: Implement any approved recommendations and provide notification to parents prior to the start of the school year, and have the Police Department educate parents and enforce the new traffic regulations during the first week of school. 4) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided background information on the subject and summarized the recommendations. He also provided the results of the resident survey. Battalion Chief Phenegar commented that the Fire Department supports a plan that makes it easier for emergency vehicles to travel on the street. Sergeant Bonner concurred. Commissioner Bencic suggested a second No U -Turn sign or a flashing red light atop the sign to reinforce the regulation to motorists. Traffic Engineer Lawrie commented that he will request police presence the first week of school to ensure motorists are following the new regulations. The other Commissioners stated that they too were in favor of the recommendations and were pleased the affected residents also supported the changes. Commissioner Bencic made a motion to concur with the recommendation of the Traffic Engineer. It was seconded by Commissioner Fisher. The motion was approved by a vote of 9 -0. B) ILLINOIS YELLOW DOT PROGRAM 1) Background Information The Illinois Department of Transportation recently began a program for motorists to provide medical information to first responders in the event of an emergency. A yellow dot sticker is placed on the rear facing window on the drivers' side to let emergency personnel know that a medical card is in the glove compartment. This becomes valuable should the driver become incapacitated and unable to communicate. The Village's Fire Department and Human Services Department are already involved and provide yellow dots and medical cards to interested residents. Commissioner Tortorello has suggested that Commission members distribute information at the Fourth of July parade next month. Information on the program can be found at www.yellowdotillinois.org TSC Meeting Page 4 of 9 June 11, 2012 2) Discussion Commissioner Tortorello introduced the subject and shared some literature with the group. She asked if anyone would be willing to hand out information at the Fourth of July parade. Commissioners Campos and Kuehlthau said they may be available to help. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said the Director of Public Works would be willing to provide a parade vehicle for the Commission. Commissioner Tortorello suggested they use a van and display a large yellow dot on the rear window. There was consensus from the group that they would look to only pass out information to middle -aged adults and seniors. Traffic Engineer Lawrie recommended that the group only pass out the brochure at the parade rather than the entire packet which includes the medical card and yellow dot. The group agreed that those interested in the program could go to Village Hall to pick up the rest of the packet. Commissioner Tortorello suggested that packets could also be placed in local businesses such as Keefer's Pharmacy and Busse Car Wash. Commissioner Bencic cautioned those on Medicare should not put their social security number on the medical card in the event the card is stolen. There was some general discussion on the importance of people using discretion when filling out the medical card. Chairman Keane asked that a formal vote be taken in order to give Staff direction as to how to proceed. There was interest from the group to be part of the parade but it would be contingent upon whether Staff could receive 1000 brochures from IDOT on -time and if there would be any cost. Commissioner Tortorello made a motion for the Commission to participate in the Fourth of July parade and hand out Yellow Dot brochures contingent they could be received on -time and there would not be any cost. It was seconded by Commissioner Kuehlthau. The motion was approved by a vote of 9 -0. Traffic Engineer Lawrie said he would contact IDOT about ordering the brochures and then follow -up with the Commission. C) ILLINOIS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM 1) Background Information The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) is a federally funded program that provides funding for community based transportation projects. The primary goals of the program are to expand travel choices and enhance the transportation experience by improving the cultural, historic, aesthetic and /or environmental aspects of our transportation infrastructure. Local governments may receive up to 80 percent reimbursement for eligible project costs. The remaining 20 percent would be the responsibility of the Village. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is managing the program. They will evaluate the applications and distribute the $50 million allocated to Illinois. For more information, the ITEP website is www.dot.il.eov /opp /iten.htmi TSC Meeting Page S of 9 June 11, 2012 Eligible projects must fall within one of twelve transportation - related categories. The Engineering Division has submitted four applications that cover two of the categories: improving pedestrian /bicycle facilities and improving transportation corridors with landscaping and other scenic beautification. It is anticipated that IDOT will select the projects to receive funding later this fall. The four Village projects are summarized below. Melas- Meadows Shared Use Bridge Estimated Total Cost: $3,225,000 Grant Share: $2,580,000 Local Share: $645,000 The Village of Mount Prospect, in cooperation with the Mount Prospect Park District and Arlington Heights Park District, is proposing a bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Northwest Highway and the railroad tracks which would connect Melas Park and Meadows Park. The two parks are divided by Northwest Highway (US Route 14) and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Both parks are unique and draw residents from all areas of town. Melas Park has facilities operated by the Mount Prospect Park District and the Arlington Heights Park District. Melas Park facilities include a Visual Arts Center, soccer fields, baseball /softball diamonds and walking paths. Meadows Park is owned by the Mount Prospect Park District and the park includes an aquatic center, playground, and baseball /softball diamonds. The proposed overpass bridge would be constructed at the northeast corner of Melas Park and the southwest portion of Meadows Park. The proposed bridge will increase pedestrian and bicycle activity in the community, thereby, reducing vehicular congestion. In addition to serving the two adjacent parks, the bridge will also serve the local school district. More students will walk or bike to school as Northwest Highway is currently designated a hazardous crossing by the school district. Some students that walk /bike to school today cross the tracks by the parks. An overpass will solve this safety concern. The bridge is included in the Village Comprehensive Plan, Village Bicycle Plan and NWMC Northwest Highway Corridor Bike Route Plan. Intersection Improvements Proiect Estimated Total Cost: $356,300 Grant Share: $285,040 Local Share: $71,260 The Village is committed to providing a safe and efficient transportation system for pedestrians and bicyclists. Phase I of the Village's Bicycle Plan identifies four intersections that require improvements in order to link neighborhood bike routes across arterial roadways. Completing these connections will provide safe and direct access for neighborhoods to parks, schools, businesses, the train station and other neighborhoods. The following intersections are included in the project: Rand Road (US 12) and Business Center Drive Central Road and Weller Lane Golf Road and Robert Drive Golf Road and Linneman Road The intersection of Rand Road and Business Center Drive experiences a high volume of vehicular traffic and high percentage of truck traffic on a daily basis. The proposed work will highlight the pedestrian /bicycle facility at the intersection and is expected to attract more users. Today, TSC Meeting Page 6 of 9 June 11, 2012 recreational riders use the trails within the business park and commuter riders travel between the adjacent business park and downtown train station. The work will include widening a portion of the sidewalk to a bike path, retrofitting the signal system with countdown pedestrian signals, installing bike route and crossing signs, and adding crosswalks. The existing crosswalk across Central Road at Weller Lane is approximately 70 feet wide. Central Road has a 35mph speed limit and experiences over 21,000 vehicles per day. A regional park, Melas Park, is on the north side of the road and an elementary school is on the south side. The crosswalk currently only has pedestrian crossing signs. The proposed work will include constructing a pedestrian refuge island using decorative brick pavers, installing a rectangular rapid flashing beacon system, adding signs and pavement markings, and widening a portion of the sidewalk to a bike path. Golf Road experiences over 24,000 vehicles per day and there is not a protected pedestrian crossing between Busse Road and Elmhurst Road (IL Route 83) which is a mile apart. At neighborhood meetings, residents have expressed interest in providing a safe crossing for pedestrians and bicyclists along Golf Road. At Robert Drive, the work will included widening a portion of the sidewalk to a bike path, installing a rectangular rapid flashing beacon system, and adding pedestrian crossing signs and pavement markings. At Linneman Road, the same work will be done in addition to constructing a pedestrian refuge island. The intersection improvements will have many benefits. Providing safe and efficient crossings across arterial roadways will encourage more people to walk /bike in the community. We anticipate this will result in higher trips to our parks and schools, and more people visiting others nearby. We also expect the community to walk /bike more to nearby businesses adding to the local economy. An increase in walking /biking will also reduce congestion on our roadways thereby reducing vehicle emissions in the area. Pedestrian Signal Retrofit Prot Estimated Total Cost: $111,400 Grant Share: $89,120 Local Share: $22,280 The Village Comprehensive Plan and Village Bicycle Plan both identify the importance of providing for the safe movement of all transportation users. Countdown pedestrian signals have proven to enhance safety for both pedestrians and bicyclists by indicating the remaining time to cross an intersection. The Village has identified nine intersections that are used by school children on a daily basis. At these locations, safety and efficiency will be enhanced with the installation of countdown signals. Today, many parents choose to drive their children to school because they believe crossing an arterial roadway is unsafe. The local school districts and Village have partnered together over the past few years to educate and encourage the school community to choose walking or riding a bike to school rather than driving. By accomplishing this, there is less vehicle emissions and congestion in the neighborhoods, and children are getting exercise. Countdown pedestrian signals provide an added safety element that many parents are looking for. These signals have been installed at a few locations in the Village and have been well received. The Village believes the added signals will not only benefit the schools but all pedestrian and bicycle users in the community. In addition, LED signals will significantly use less energy than incandescent heads to the benefit of the environment. TSC Meeting Page 7 of 9 June 11, 2012 The following intersections are included in the project: Route 83 and Gregory Street Route 83 and Council Trail Route 83 and Lonnquist Boulevard Golf Road and Meier Road Central Road and Owen Street Busse Road and Willow Lane Wolf Road and Eulcid Avenue Wolf Road and Kensington Road Wolf Road and Feehanville Drive Northwest Highway Streetscape Proiect (Maple Street to William Street) Estimated Total Cost: $847,500 Grant Share: $678,000 Local Share: $169,500 The Village's Comprehensive Plan and Northwest Highway Corridor Study both identify the importance of providing an inviting and functional streetscape layout along Northwest Highway. The Village has made a significant investment over the years in the revitalization of Northwest Highway (US Route 14) for the benefit of local businesses and residents. This commitment has greatly improved the pedestrian /bicycle system and brought new businesses that have boosted the Village's economy. The Village's streetscape plan includes a combination of decorative brick pavers, ADA compliant sidewalk ramps, planter boxes for landscaping, pedestrian lighting, bike racks, bus shelters and benches. Concrete curb and gutter as well as storm sewer improvements are also part of the work. Having already accomplished a majority of the streetscape work has allowed the Village to streamline the design and construction process. This particular four block project is adjacent to previously completed streetscape work which, in the end, will provide greater connectivity along the corridor and a fully functional transportation facility. Northwest Highway is a primary regional route that lies through the heart of the downtown. A complete streetscape facility will connect the downtown area to all businesses along Northwest Highway in the community. It is expected that the enhancement will draw more consumers to the Village improving our economic health. It will also give the Village a better sense of identity to the benefit of our local businesses and residents. A complete streetscape facility along Northwest Highway will also provide a direct link for pedestrians and bicyclists to businesses, restaurants, government services and the train station. We anticipate this will increase pedestrian and bicycle activity in the community reducing the impact on the environment. The Village expects to receive a listing of those projects selected for funding sometime in the fall. Should we be fortunate to receive funding for one or multiple projects, we will review our preliminary 2013 Village Budget and discuss the project(s) with the Commission and Village Board of Trustees. If we decide to move forward, design would begin in early 2013. Depending on the project, construction would not begin until the fall of 2013 or most likely 2014. 2) Discussion Traffic Engineer Lawrie provided an overview of each of the projects. He reiterated to the Commission that the Village would not be tied to the cost should any of the projects be accepted. If accepted by IDOT, the particular project(s) would be further discussed by the Commission and Village Board of Trustees. If funds for the local share were not available, the TSC Meeting Page 8 of 9 June 11, 2012 Village could decline the grant. Chairman Keane asked about the status of the improvements to Kensington Road. Village Engineer Wulbecker responded that the project is currently under design and is expected to go to construction in 2013. There were no additional questions. No vote was taken as this issue was for information only. D) VICE CHAIRPERSON SELECTION The Vice Chairperson of the Transportation Safety Commission is chosen by its members. It is a 4 -year term with the same person able to serve up to two consecutive terms. The role of the Vice Chairperson is to run the meeting in the absence of the Chairperson. Commissioner Bencic has served as the Vice Chairperson for the past four years. He was asked if he would be willing to serve as Vice Chairperson for another term. Commissioner Bencic said he would.. Commissioner Campos made a motion to nominate Commissioner Bencic as Vice Chairperson of the Transportation Safety Commission. It was seconded by Commissioner Tortorello. The motion was approved by a vote of 9 -0. COMMISSION ISSUES Traffic Engineer Lawrie requested that the next regular meeting be held on Monday, July 23 rather than on the second Monday of the month, July 9` There was agreement from the Commission. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to discuss, the Transportation Safety Commission voted 9 -0 to adjourn at 8:24 p.m. upon the motion of Commissioner Fisher. Commissioner Campos seconded the motion. Respectfully submitted, Matthew P. Lawrie, P.E. Traffic Engineer h:\ engineering\ traffic\ safety_ commission \recs &m i ns\ju ne12m i n.docx TSC Meeting Page 9 of 9 June 11, 2012