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Approved 8/11/2010 Meeting Minutes RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 11 AUGUST 2010 PAGE 1. QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF JANESVILLE, HELD IN THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ON AUGUST 11, 2010 AT 4:30 P.M. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN FITZGERALD AT 4:30 P.M. COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: DEB WOOD, ALLEN FUGATE, NICK FITZGERALD, RUSS STEEBER AND BRAD REENTS. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: DENNIS RYAN, MARGARET DUERR, KARISSA CHAPMAN, CARL WEBER, AND DEPUTY CHIEF OLSEN. AGENDA ITEMS: A. ROLL CALL B. MINUTES Meeting of May 12, 2010. Said minutes were approved. C. STOP SIGNS/YIELD SIGNS 1a. Bond Place & North Osborne Avenue and 1b. Bond Place & North Marion Avenue and 1c. Bond Place & North Willard Avenue Dennis Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to install yield signs on Osborne, Marion, and Willard at Bond stating that yield signs will reinforce State Statutes. Doug Coulter (247 Winesap Ct.) spoke in favor of yield signs but noted that he would prefer stop signs, especially at Bond and Osborne. Committee Member Steeber asked Mr. Coulter which street he would place the stop signs on and Mr. Coulter indicated he’d place the stop signs on Bond (the main street). Mr. Coulter also wanted to discuss the nearby intersection of Grant and Ravine, so Committee Chairman indicated that discussion should take place under “Matters Not on the Agenda”. Principal Veronica McMahon of Madison Elementary School was also present to speak in favor of traffic control at these intersections, especially the Osborne intersection, citing safety concerns with the congestion. Ms. McMahon also indicated there are parental concerns with the safety patrol (children) setting out cones at the crosswalks. Committee Member Wood expressed concerns as to whether yield signs would increase safety and whether stop signs would have any negative impacts. She also asked the Principal if the school attempts to educate parents on proper driving behaviors. Mr. Ryan responded that the signs may not have much of a safety impact, but the intersections meet yield sign criteria and the signs would reinforce State Statutes. He indicated there are problems at the Osborne intersection, not unlike many school zone intersections, but would not recommend stop signs on the main street There was discussion regarding the unique configuration of the crosswalks at Osborne and whether they contribute to an unsafe method of crossing. Committee Member \\Petey\COJHome\Development\Engineering\Traffic & Parking\Transportation Committee\Minutes\2010\TRANS_MIN_August_2010.doc RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 11 AUGUST 2010 PAGE 2. Fugate stated that traffic congestion on Bond is the issue and parents not adhering to the pick up/drop off rules, similar to many school zones. There was a discussion about the possible need for an adult crossing guard at Osborne. Mr. Ryan indicated a study would probably show it falling short of the criteria. Committee Member Steeber motioned for yield signs on Willard and Marion, a stop sign on Osborne, an adult crossing guard study, and a consideration to reconfigure the “V”-shaped crosswalk into a “normal” crosswalk. The motion did not receive a second and was withdrawn. Committee Member Wood wondered if a study should be done to assess the benefit of reconfiguring the crosswalk. Committee Member Steeber motioned to install yield signs on Osborne, Marion and Willard at Bond. Committee Member Fugate seconded. The vote was 4-1-0 (with Committee Chairman Fitzgerald opposed). Committee Chairman Fitzgerald then motioned for an adult crossing guard study at Osborne and Bond (with a crosswalk examination). Committee Member Steeber seconded. The vote was 5-0- 0 in favor. 2. Division Street & East Van Buren Street Mr. Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to approve a yield signs on Division. Dan Atwood (215 S. Division St.) was present and spoke in favor of installing yield signs. Committee Member Wood agreed with placing control at this location due to the topography but wondered whether stop signs were more appropriate, citing the stop signs at adjacent intersections. Mr. Ryan indicated the recommendation was based on the “safe approach speed”. Committee Chairman Steeber motioned to approve the Engineering Division’s recommendation for yield signs. Committee Member Fugate seconded and the vote was 5-0-0 in favor. 3. Elliott Street & Jerome Avenue Mr. Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to deny the request for stop or yield signs at Elliott and Jerome and issue a vision triangle violation notice. There were no citizens present to speak and no discussion. Committee Member Steeber motioned to approve the recommendation to deny and Committee Member Reents seconded. The vote was 5-0-0 in favor. D. ADULT CROSSING GUARDS 1. Jefferson School Drive & Mt. Zion Avenue Mr. Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to deny the request for an adult crossing guard at this location. Principal Krueger of Jefferson Elementary School was present to speak about safety concerns at the intersection and why he requested the study. The PTA president (and parent of children who use the crossing) spoke in favor of an adult crossing guard. She noted that many parents at this intersection look for a green light and drive without regard to children and pedestrians. Committee Member Steeber questioned whether the cycle time of the traffic signals could be adjusted to allow pedestrians to clear before traffic is given a green light. Mr. Ryan stated that he would look into it and believed that adjustments could be made similar to Crosby & Mineral Point and Memorial & Washington. Committee Chairman Fitzgerald motioned to approve the Engineering Division’s recommendation to deny the request for an adult crossing guard. Committee Member Steeber seconded and the vote was 5-0-0 in favor. \\Petey\COJHome\Development\Engineering\Traffic & Parking\Transportation Committee\Minutes\2010\TRANS_MIN_August_2010.doc RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 11 AUGUST 2010 PAGE 3. 2. Harmony Drive & Newman Street Mr. Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to deny the request for an adult crossing guard at this location, but provide enhance signage. Principal Krueger of Jefferson Elementary School was present to speak in favor of a crossing guard at this location. He indicated this intersection was of a greater concern to him and the PTA than the intersection in front of the school. He also stated there was a marked difference in traffic behavior when there was police presence. There was much discussion about parents observing and obeying signs. Committee Member Wood asked if enhanced signage would help and what the signage would be. Mr. Ryan responded the newer yellow/green signs could be installed and a downward left arrow added to the signage at the crosswalk. Other discussion included opening up the vision at the intersection by restricting parking, painting curbs and educating students and parents on responsibility. Committee Member Steeber asked what the cost of a crossing guard was, citing a desire to protect the children despite the costs. Mr. Ryan estimated the cost to be $6,000/ year per crossing guard. [Mr. Ryan followed up after the meeting with Committee Member Steeber when he found out the actual costs are about $3,240/year not including equipment and training.] Committee Chairman Fitzgerald motioned to approve the Engineering Division’s recommendation to deny the request for an adult crossing guard, but administratively add signage and parking enhancements as discussed. The vote was 4-1-0 (with Committee Member Steeber opposed). Mr. Ryan indicated he would work with the school to determine where no parking and/or no parking, stopping, or standing zones should be established. 3. East Rotamer Road & North Wright Road Mr. Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to allow the request for an adult crossing guard on the condition the Milton School District provide 100% of the funding for the position. Principal Jeanne Smith of Harmony School was present to speak in favor of an adult crossing guard, citing safety concerns at the busy intersection. Committee Member Steeber asked how many children could potentially use this intersection when bussing is discontinued. Principal Smith estimated around 65. She also indicated the School (and Milton School District) would feel the need to provide staffing at the intersection if the funded crossing guard is not approved. The Committee discussed how long the guard would continue, especially if the criteria are not met. Mr. Ryan stated it would be up to the Milton School District to continue the funding, but he anticipated it would last at least for the following school year. It was decided there should be a follow-up study completed in the spring and a re-evaluation . completed prior to the 2011-2012 school year Committee Member Steeber motioned to approve the recommendation to provide a guard on the condition the Milton School District provides the funding. Committee Chairman Fitzgerald seconded. The vote was 5-0-0 in favor. \\Petey\COJHome\Development\Engineering\Traffic & Parking\Transportation Committee\Minutes\2010\TRANS_MIN_August_2010.doc RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE 11 AUGUST 2010 PAGE 4. E.OTHER TRAFFIC ISSUES 1. Improving Neighborhood Traffic Safety (Public Service Announcement) The Committee was provided an opportunity to suggest revisions to the contents of the referenced Public Service Announcement. Committee Member Steeber asked if this information was posted on the City’s website and printed in the newsletter. Mr. Ryan indicated it was on the website and would request it be included in an upcoming newsletter. Committee Members discussed how to break down the PSA, make it fun (less “dry”) and get the Gazette to run it. It was decided Engineering would attempt to break down the information into a “Frequently Asked Questions and Answer” format and bring the results back to the Committee at the next meeting. No action was required from the Committee. 2. Milwaukee St./Court St. Two-way Conversion Study Update (Committee Chairman Fitzgerald and Committee Member Steeber were unable to stay for this item and departed around 6:05) Carl Weber, Director of Public Works, updated the Committee on the status of this traffic study and presented the Committee with a brief summary report complete with cost estimates for three alternatives. Committee Member Wood asked if the study took into consideration elements of the Downtown Development Plan from 4-5 years ago and wondered “how much was compatible”. Engineering will e-mail the complete study to Ms. Wood. F. MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA 1. North Grant Avenue and Ravine Street After agenda items C 1a-c, Doug Coulter and his wife indicated they have numerous safety concerns about this intersection including; high traffic volumes, stop sign visibility, parking signage and/or yellow-painted curbing, parents entering and parking in the “school property” west leg where stalls are “blackened-out”, lettering size on signs, lack of flashing lights, and parents dropping off/picking up children in mid-street and violating parking rules. He would like extra cones, signage enhancements and/or improvements, and added enforcement in this area. There was a discussion about a “study” that would be placed on the next agenda. Mr. Ryan indicated that he was unclear what would be studied and reviewed by the Transportation Committee since most, if not all, of the issues were “Administrative” decisions and this is an existing all- way stop with a crossing guard. He did agree to schedule a future agenda item that would include an aerial drawing showing existing conditions for further discussion. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 Wednesday, November 10, 2010. \\Petey\COJHome\Development\Engineering\Traffic & Parking\Transportation Committee\Minutes\2010\TRANS_MIN_August_2010.doc