2/23/2010 Approved Meeting Minutes
RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
23 FEBRUARY 2010
PAGE 1.
QUARTERLY MEETING OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF
JANESVILLE, HELD IN THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING COUNCIL CHAMBERS, ON FEBRUARY 23,
2011 (RESCHEDULED FROM FEBRUARY 9) AT 4:30 P.M.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN FITZGERALD AT 4:30
P.M.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: ALLEN FUGATE, NICK FITZGERALD, BRAD REENTS AND
DEB WOOD. RUSS STEEBER WAS ABSENT.
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: DENNIS RYAN, MARGARET DUERR, KARISSA CHAPMAN, CARL
WEBER, AND DEPUTY CHIEF DAVIS.
AGENDA ITEMS:
A. ROLL CALL
B. MINUTES
Meeting of November 10, 2010. Said minutes were approved.
C. STOP SIGNS/YIELD SIGNS
1. Ridge Drive (Austin Road to Rimrock Road)
a. Ridge Drive & Ridge Creek Drive
b. Ridge Drive & Stone Ridge Drive
c. Ridge Drive & Falcon Ridge Drive
d. Ridge Drive & Rimrock Road
Mr. Ryan presented the study information for all four intersections and the Engineering
Division’s recommendation to deny the request for stop and yield signs. Michael
Bentivegna (529 Rimrock) was present to speak in favor of stop or yield signs stating
that Austin to Ridge to Rimrock is used as a thoroughfare to Rockport Road. He also
believes that with upcoming development at Court and Austin, traffic will increase and
reinforce the need for stop signs. He noted a lack of speed limit signs posted in the
area and a missing dead end sign on Ridge south of Rimrock. Mr. Bentivegna feels
that people don’t follow the rules of the road without controlled intersections.
Committee Member Fugate explained the Committee’s role to combine the facts of
studies with good judgment. He also stated that driver’s perception in wide open,
seemingly rural areas is that it is ok to go faster. He stated vehicles coming off of W.
Court St., where the speed limit is 55 mph, could be driving more quickly through the
area. Mr. Ryan indicated the City generally posts 25 mph signs at the entrances to
residential areas if the border street is 35mph or greater. Mr. Ryan noted that the
entrance off of Court does have the 25 mph sign but the entrance off of Rockport does
not. He committed to adding both that sign and the dead end sign. There was further
discussion about the lowest volume intersection having the only crash out of the four
intersections. Committee Chairman Fitzgerald motioned to deny the request but install
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RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
23 FEBRUARY 2010
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discussed signage. Committee Member Fugate seconded and the vote was 4-0-0 in
favor of denying the request.
D. ADULT CROSSING GUARDS
1. Jefferson Avenue & East Van Buren Street (Status Update)
Mr. Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to table this item until
the May meeting, allowing staff to conduct the study during better weather conditions
as outlined in the Council Policy for School Crossing Guard studies. Committee
Chairman Fitzgerald motioned to approve. Committee Member Fugate seconded and
the vote was 4-0-0 in favor.
E.TRAFFIC SIGNALS
1. Academy Street & West Milwaukee Street
Mr. Ryan presented the Engineering Division’s recommendation to remove the traffic
signals (following MUTCD guidelines) to follow through on the approved budget
reduction initiative. Morris Olsen (Denny’s Auto Center) was present to speak in favor
of keeping the signals in place. Mr. Olsen stated that traffic flow makes it nearly
impossible for him to move his customers’ vehicles in and out of his driveways. He
also believes that there are more accidents at this intersection than were reported. Mr.
Olsen stated that he would prefer the signals remain and added that he is not in favor
of a two-way conversion on Milwaukee Street. Karl Dommershausen (DDA Traffic
Committee) was also present to speak. Mr. Dommershausen would like to see a 4-
way stop at this intersection. He does not feel that signals are necessary, but worries
that a 2 way stop would create a long stretch on Milwaukee Street with no control and
invite speeding. Committee Member Wood asked Mr. Ryan if he knew the reasons
Council voted 4 - 3 to keep the signals in 2009. She also asked if there was any way
to improve the area so the removal of the signals would not have a negative effect on
Mr. Olson’s business. There was some discussion between staff, the Committee, and
those present regarding vision triangle issues, parking near the intersection, and
whether the Centerway upgrade contributed to traffic patterns at this location. There
was also discussion about the study period and the chance to get an idea on how the
intersection will function prior to a Council Resolution on complete removal being
considered. Committee Chairman Fitzgerald motioned to approve the Engineering
Division’s recommendations to take the signals out-of-service, install stop signs on
Academy, and monitor the intersection for 90 days prior to bringing forward a Council
Resolution for complete removal. Committee Member Wood seconded and the vote
was 4-0-0 in favor.
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RECORD OF THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
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F. MATTERS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Dennis Ryan indicated this is the last meeting for two of our members (Deb Wood and Nick
Fitzgerald). He thanked them for their time and service.
Deb Wood asked Dennis to look into the walk buttons at the five points, none of which seem to
work.
The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
The next meeting is scheduled for 4:30 Wednesday, May 11, 2011.
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