Approved 11/11/09 Meeting Minutes
RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
11 NOVEMBER 2009
PAGE 1.
QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF
JANESVILLE, HELD IN THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ON NOVEMBER 11,
2009 AT 4:30 P.M.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN FIRZGERALD AT 4:30
P.M.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: DEB WOOD, ALLEN FUGATE, NICK FITZGERALD, BRAD
REENTS AND TOM MC DONALD.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: DENNIS RYAN, MARGARET DUERR, DAN DAVIS, AND MIKE
PAYNE.
AGENDA ITEMS:
A. ROLL CALL
B. MINUTES
Meeting of August 12, 2009. Said minutes were approved.
C. STOP SIGNS/YIELD SIGNS
1a. Curry Lane & Meadowlark Drive
1b. Curry Lane & Savanna Drive
Dennis Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to install yield
signs at Curry Lane & Meadowlark Drive, and Curry Lane & Savanna Drive. Mr. and
Mrs. Brunker (3805 Curry) were present and spoke informally. Committee Member
McDonald asked the Brunkers if yield signs addressed their concerns. The Brunkers
responded that their main concern was speeding. They believed drivers slowed down
upon noticing the road tubes and an accurate representation of speed was not
collected from the speed counters. Mr. Ryan clarified that the Brunkers did not request
yield signs, but Councilmember Brunner inquired about them when he forwarded their
concerns. There was also a discussion about 25 mph signing in the area. Committee
Member Wood indicated not everyone likes more signage, and she didn’t think yield
signs would address the primary issue of speed. Committee Member Wood
challenged people to think of ways to educate drivers about the rules of the road. She
questioned whether the Police Department’s speed trailer would create an awareness
of speed which may be beneficial. Mr. Ryan indicated he could resurrect a
“Neighborhood Traffic Safety” public service announcement put out by the City several
years ago and request that it be released again. Ms. Wood thought publishing this
information annually would be helpful. Committee Member Fugate indicated he
doesn’t think there could ever be enough signs to make a difference in motorists’
driving behavior. His biggest concern is un-intended consequences such as; 1)
motorists gaining a false sense of security by assuming traffic will yield, and 2) the
potential of increased speeds on the “through” street. The Committee and staff
discussed the Police Department’s ability to control speeding on Curry Lane. After
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RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
11 NOVEMBER 2009
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further discussion about signing, including temporary campaign-type yard signage
sponsored by groups like AAA, Deputy Chief Davis agreed to supply some of those
signs for the neighborhood. Committee Member Reents thought situations like this are
ultimately enforcement-related issues. Deputy Chief Davis offered the support and
services of the Police Department. Committee Member McDonald motioned to deny
the Engineering Division’s recommendation to install yield signs at both locations. The
motion was seconded by Committee Chairman Fitzgerald and the vote was 5-0-0 in
favor of denying the yield signs.
D.ALL-WAY STOP
1. Kellogg Avenue & South Oakhill Avenue
Dennis Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to deny the
request for all-way stop signs. Mr. Ryan indicated an additional accident report was
filed just after the report was finalized, bring the 2009 total to 2 accidents. No citizens
were present to speak on this item. There was a question regarding the map in the
report and whether there are stop signs present at the intersection. Committee
Member McDonald motioned to deny the request for an all-way stop, Committee
Member Wood seconded. The vote was 5-0-0 in favor of denial.
E. MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Committee Member Wood asked for a progress update on the downtown Court &
Milwaukee two-way conversion study. Mr. Ryan indicated he’d check with Brad
Cantrell and get back to her via e-mail.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 Wednesday, February 10, 2010.
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