MINUTES OF
THE
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
Monday, June 26, 2006
City Hall, Room 310
7:00 pm
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Judy Kuiper, Brad Hopp, Ald. Gary
Kriescher, Matt Kuepers
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice-Chairperson Carol
Macaux (excused), Cmdr. Jim Arts, Jon Brown (excused)
OTHERS PRESENT: Ald. Jeffreys, Ald.
Nicholson, Ald. Wiezbiskie, and Recording Secretary and Traffic Engineer Dave
Hansen
1. Approval
of the minutes from the May 22, 2006 Traffic Commission meeting.
A
motion was made by Ald. Gary Kriescher and seconded by Matt Kuepers and carried
to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2006 Traffic Commission meeting, and as
amended:
A.
The request to
establish a NO PARKING zone on both sides of
John
Street from Cass Street to a point 50 feet north of Cass Street
be
rescinded per the request of Ald. Theisen.
2. Request
by Ald. Jeffrey, on behalf of Mr. And Mrs. Kozlik (709 Marshall Street), to
remove the NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zone on the west side of Marshall Street
north of Mather Street.
Mr. Hansen paraphrased the reasons for the initial
request for this restricted parking zone that was placed in February 2005 by
the resident on the northwest corner of Mather and Marshall Streets. The zone could be moved to a point four feet
south of the driveway of 703 Marshall Street while still satisfying the intent
of the initial request.
Ald.
Jeffreys stated she believes modifying the restricted parking zone per the
recommendation of the Traffic Engineer would satisfy the residents at 703 and
709 Marshal Street.
A
motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded by Ald. Kriescher and carried that,
on a 90-day trial:
A. Remove the NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zone on the west
side of Marshall Avenue from Mather Street to a point 110 feet north of Mather
Street, and
B. Establish a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zone on the
west side of Marshall Avenue from Mather Street to a point 78 feet north of
Mather Street.
3. Request
by the Traffic Engineer to replace the YIELD condition on southbound Military
Avenue at the eastbound Velp Avenue slip ramp with an ADDED LANE warning sign.
Mr.
Hansen stated that a YIELD sign is not the proper sign for the condition since
one SB lane of Military Avenue and one EB to SB right turn lane of Velp Avenue
meet but do not merge into one lane.
The ADDED LANE warning sign is the proper sign for the existing
condition. Although the YIELD sign was
originally installed by the City, the agreement between the Village of Howard
and the City of Green Bay has been that the City owns and maintains signing
north of the intersection; the Village owns and maintains signing south of the
intersection. After speaking with Bob
Bartelt, the Village Public Works Director, the Village agreed to remove the
YIELD sign and replace it with an ADDED LANE warning sign.
A
motion was made by Mr. Kuepers, and seconded by Ald. Kriescher and carried
that:
A. The YIELD condition on southbound Military Avenue at
the eastbound Velp Avenue slip ramp be removed, and
B. An ADDED LANE warning sign at the same location as
the YIELD condition be installed.
4. Request
by Ald. Kriescher to establish a 2-HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on
the west side of Reimer Street between Newberry Street and Melon Street.
Mr.
Hansen stated that Preble High School students park in the vicinity. Nearby and newly placed restricted parking
zones may be changing the parking routine of students. A map showing nearby restricted parking
zones was presented
A
motion was made by Mr. Kuepers, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that on a
90-day trial a 2-HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the west side of
Reimer Street between Newberry Street and Melon Street be installed.
5. Request
by Ald. Nicholson to review NO PARKING zones on both sides of Edgewood Drive
between Robinson Avenue and East Mason Street.
Mr.
Hansen stated that a NO PARKING 8:00 AM TO 4:00 PM EXCEPT SUNDAYS zone is
currently established on the west side of Edgewood Drive between Robinson
Avenue and East Mason Street (map presented).
The east side is currently not restricted other than by regular parking
ordinances. The evolution of the parking
zone was explained. One of the reasons
the restricted zone was established was because residents complained that they
were not receiving regular mail delivery because parked vehicles often blocked
access to mailboxes. As a result, not
only the restricted zone was established, but also all mailboxes were placed on
the west side of Edgewood Drive.
Ms.
Kuiper and Ald. Kriescher stated that removing on-street parking could
encourage speeding.
Mr.
Hopp questioned why the zone is not enforced.
Ald.
Nicholson stated that he has received complaints of limited sight distance from
the side streets because of parked vehicles.
He stated that boards showing driver speed were placed by the Police
Department along Edgewood Drive last week.
Motion
was made by Mr. Kuepers, and seconded by Ald. Kriescher to suspend the rules
and allow interested parties to speak.
Scott
Vanidestine, 961 Edgewood Drive, appeared before the Traffic Commission stating
that during the day, vehicles park on street in front of mailboxes, even though
there are NO PARKING signs clearly posted.
Motion
was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Hopp to return to regular order
of business.
A motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded
by Ald. Kriescher and carried that on a 90-day trial, a NO PARKING zone
on the east side of Edgewood Drive from East Mason Street to 90 feet north of
Robinson Avenue be established
A
motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded by Ald. Kriescher and carried that
the Traffic Engineer submit a written request to the Police Department and
Parking Utility for speed and parking enforcement along Edgewood Drive between
East Mason Street and Robinson Avenue.
6. Request
by Ald. Wery, on behalf of Jeff Jones (415 Oak Street) and neighbors, to
replace the YIELD condition at the intersection of Lake and Oak Streets with a
STOP condition.
Mr.
Hansen stated some of the resident’s concerns could be stemmed from the
additional traffic generated from the reconstruction of Oneida Street between
Mason and Badger Streets (map shown).
The eastbound approach to Lake Street currently operates similar to a private
driveway, servicing only LaForce Hardware employees. In the future, this approach will become a private driveway, as
LaForce has proposed plans to expand their facilities north across existing
Lake Street and is currently seeking the rezoning of property north of Lake
Street to accommodate this expansion.
After observing the intersection operations for some time, and with
speaking with another resident within the neighborhood, the dominant traffic is
the southbound to eastbound movement. Establishing a STOP condition on the
eastbound approach and removing the southbound YIELD sign should improve the
operations of the intersection.
A
motion was made by Mr. Kuepers, and seconded by Ald. Kriescher and carried that
on a 90-day trial, to:
A. Remove the southbound YIELD condition at the
intersection of Lake and Oak Streets, and
B. Install a one way STOP condition for eastbound
traffic on Lake Street at Oak Street.
7. Request
by Ald. Wery, on behalf of Sue Liebergen (828 Gross Avenue), to study traffic
calming measures along Gross Avenue.
Mr. Hansen showed a map of the existing nearby
intersection control, and photos of the roadway segment at and near 828 Gross
Avenue. There exists a reverse curve, on-street
parking, and a tree canopy, which are all traffic-calming features.
Ms.
Kuiper stated that requests for STOP signs for speed control are not
recommended, and many times produce less safe conditions. She cited many locations within the City where
this has happened.
Mr.
Hopp stated that there are other methods to attempt to correct the subject
issues. Installing a STOP condition at
St. Paul and Gross would instill a false sense of security. Mr. Hopp suggested that if traffic-calming
techniques are studied that speed boards be placed to collect motorist volume
and speeds.
Ald.
Kriescher responded to claims of six crashes by the residents. He questioned over how long of a period of
time did these occur. He questioned why
the residents have requested the removal of on-street parking since on-street
parking is a common form of traffic calming.
Mr.
Kuepers asked Ms. Liebergen if installing beam guard along properties, 829 and
843 Gross Avenue, would be an acceptable solution
Motion
was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers to suspend the rules
and allow interested parties to speak.
Sue
L, 828 Gross Avenue, appeared before the Traffic Commisison stating that
accidents occur where corner houses and garages are being hit. Motorists speed between Gross Avenue and
Oneida Street. In July 2004, her father
was killed as a pedestrian and in September that same year, signals were in
installed. She states there are kids at
a nearby park, why paint double-yellow lines and why is this crash problem
being neglected?
Mike
Foster, 843 Gross Avenue, appeared before the Traffic Commission stating that
he has witnessed six crashes and states switching stops at St. Paul and Gross
Avenue would slow down traffic. Mike
suggests changing TURN signs to REVERSE CURVE signs.
Bill
Henderson, 804 Gross Avenue, appeared before the Traffic Commission stating
that it’s difficult to leave driveway
because of speeding and tailgating vehicles traveling at 40 MPH or better.
Jerry
Cloc, 808 Gross Avenue, appeared before the Traffic Commission stating that
problems occur between 5-8PM and bar time from traffic on Holmgren Way. A St. Paul STOP reversal would slow down
traffic. Jerry states there were 8
accidents involving houses in the one block history.
Motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers to return to regular
order of business.
A motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers that:
A. The request to study traffic calming measures along
Gross Avenue be referred to DPW for study.
B. The Traffic Engineer submits a written request to the
Police Department for speed enforcement between 5 PM and 8 PM, and the
placement of speed boards on Gross Avenue between West Mason Street and Hickory
Hill Drive.
C. On a 90-day trial, remove the existing TURN warning
signs near the intersections of Gross Avenue and Gross Court, and Gross Avenue
and St. Paul Street.
D. On a 90-day trial, install REVERSE TURN warning signs
with speed advisory plaques near the intersections of Gross Avenue and Gross
Court, and Gross Avenue and St. Paul Street.
8. Request
by Ald. Theisen to move the STOP condition on Goodell Street at Emilie Street
to Emilie Street at Goodell Street.
Mr.
Hansen stated that Ald. Theisen is unable to attend the meeting, but conveyed
that the request was primarily due to resident complaints of speeding on Emilie
Street. There was a speed watch
operation along this segment of Emilie Street and concluded that the average
speed was around 25 mph and that only two vehicles exceeded 35 mph over a half-hour
peak summer period. The traffic from
the recreational games that occur at the East River Emilie Park – which occur
over a two-month period - are likely the core of the complaint.
Ms.
Kuiper stated that requests to reverse STOP are confusing to motorists and can
produce unsafe conditions.
Mr.
Hopp stated that more recreational games have been moved to this park this
year.
Ald.
Kriescher stated that a soccer field is proposed near the intersection of
Humboldt and Huron Roads.
Motion
was made by Mr. Kuepers, and seconded by Ald. Kriescher to suspend the rules
and allow interested parties to speak.
Kim
Ricker, 1475 Emilie Street, appeared before the Traffic Commission stating that
there is no deterrence of speeding; speeders know there is a speed watch. Kim states the speeders are regulars and the
problem seems to be from May to July, and on Monday through Thursdays.
Mary
Stefl, 1498 Emilie Street, appeared before the Traffic Commission requesting if
it would be possible to have a SPEED LIMIT sign installed. Switching STOP sign could increase T-bone
accidents.
Mary
Ellen Johnson, 1479 Emilie, appeared before the Traffic Commision concerned
about additional games such as soccer, and asked Mr. Hopp to explain.
Motion
was made by Mr. Kuepers, and seconded by Ald. Kriescher to return to regular
order of business.
A
Motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that on a
90-day trial:
A. The request to move the STOP condition on Goodell Street
at Emilie Street to Emilie Street at Goodell Street be received and placed on
file.
B. SPEED LIMIT 25 MPH signs with orange tags, east and
west of Goodell Street on Emilie Street be installed.
C. The Traffic Engineer submits a written request to the
Police Department for speed enforcement on Emilie Street between Suydam and
Baird Streets.
9. Request
by Ald. Theisen to add a right turn lane on eastbound East Mason Street to
southbound Bellevue Street.
Mr. Hansen stated
that about 25% of the traffic in the right-most eastbound lane turns right
during the midday and evening peak hours, and nearly 40% of the traffic in that
lane turns right during the morning peak hour.
Not enough road right-of-way is available to construct an eastbound
right-turn lane. The volume of
eastbound right-turn traffic is relatively constant during peak hours.
Ald. Kriescher
stated this intersection approach is similar to the southbound Webster Avenue
at East Mason Street approach.
A motion was made
by Mr. Kuepers, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the addition of a right turn lane on eastbound East Mason
Street to southbound Bellevue Street be received and placed on file.
10. Request
by Ald. Theisen to establish NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zones on Amy, Edison,
and Louise Streets at John Street.
Mr.
Hansen stated that he met with Ald. Theisen at the proposed NO PARKING HERE TO
CORNER zones. Edison and Louise Streets
zones are proposed for both north and south sides; Amy Street zone is proposed
for north side only (map was presented).
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried on a
90-day trial:
A. Establish a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zone on the
north side of Amy Street from John Street to a point 45 feet east of John
Street.
B. Establish a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zone on both
sides of Edison Street from John Street to a point 40 feet east of John Street.
C. Establish a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zone on both
sides of Louise Street from John Street to a point 35 feet east of John Street.
11. Request
by Ald. VanderLeest to install NO COMPRESSION BRAKING signs along Hwy. 41 in
both northbound and southbound directions.
Mr.
Hansen stated that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has established a
policy on installing such signs on highways under their jurisdiction, such as
Hwy. 41. This policy was read to the
Traffic Commission. The policy only
allows for the installation of such signs only on streets under the maintenance
jurisdiction of the City.
Mr.
Hopp requested Ald. VanderLeest (not present) to provide the reason for the
request.
A
motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that the
request to install NO COMPRESSION BRAKING signs along Hwy. 41 in both
northbound and southbound directions be postponed until the July 24, 2006
Traffic Commission meeting.
12. Request
by Ald. DeWane to establish a 2-HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on
Leslie Drive.
Mr.
Hansen stated that Preble High School students park in the vicinity. Nearby and newly placed restricted parking
zones may be changing the parking routine of students. A map showing nearby restricted parking
zones was presented.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that on
a 90-day trial establish a 2-HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on both
sides of Leslie Drive.
13. Request
by Ald. Wiezbieskie, on behalf of Jerry Renier (3288 Peterson Road), to
establish a four-way STOP condition or a roundabout at the intersection of
Peterson Road and Kathy Drive.
Ald.
Wiezbiskie stated that the sharp left turn condition going from westbound
Edinburgh Road to southbound Kathy Drive compounded with the skewed angle
intersection at Peterson Road produces an unsafe driving condition. The resident at 3288 Peterson Road has had
his mailbox knocked down from a traveling vehicle.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that
the request to establish a four-way STOP condition or a roundabout at the
intersection of Peterson Road and Kathy Drive be referred to DPW for study.
14. Request
by Ald. Wiezbieskie, on behalf of Dan Petraitis (3417 Bay Highlands Drive) and
the Bay Highlands Home Owners Association, to relocate the existing Bay Highlands
Drive neighborhood sign on Spartan Road to the Hwy. 54/57 interchange on North
Huron Road.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that
the request to relocate the existing Bay Highlands Drive neighborhood sign on
Spartan Road to the Hwy. 54/57 interchange on North Huron Road be referred to
the Improvement & Services Committee.
15. Request
by Ald. Wiezbieskie, on behalf of Tanya Dimmer (722 Laverne Drive), to replace
the YIELD condition at the intersection of Albert and Laverne Drives with a
STOP condition.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that,
on a 90-day trial basis:
1. Remove the YIELD sign on Albert Drive at Laverne
Drive
2. Establish a one way STOP condition on Albert Drive at
Laverne Drive
16. Request
by Ald. Weber to revise the NO OVERNIGHT PARKING policy to allow parking on
non-thoroughfare streets.
Mr.
Hansen stated that this request has been brought to the Traffic Commission
three times before this one within the last five years unsuccessfully. Reasons to keep the policy as is were
stated.
Ald.
Kriescher stated this policy has created safer neighborhoods and has helped
catch criminals.
A
motion was made by Mr. Hopp, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that the
request to revise the NO OVERNIGHT PARKING policy to allow parking on
non-thoroughfare streets be denied.
17. Request
by the Traffic Engineer to establish an ordinance authorizing the DPW and
Police Department to modify regulatory speed limits within construction work
zones.
Mr.
Hansen stated that the City Legal Department provided clarification of
Wisconsin Statute Section 349.11 (10).
They do not believe that an ordinance is required. The City has jurisdiction under the State
law to post lower regulatory speed limits in construction work zones.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that
the request by the Traffic Engineer to establish an ordinance authorizing the
DPW and Police Department to modify regulatory speed limits within construction
work zones be received and placed on file.
18. Request
by the DPW and Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit to temporarily close
the Mason Street median through the Superior Road intersection, and to evaluate
its traffic impact on the area.
Mr.
Hansen provided peak hour and 12-hour traffic counts of both the Superior Road
and East Mason Street intersection and the Challenger Drive and East Mason
Street intersection. The Challenger
Drive intersection should be able to handle the diverted traffic upon a median
closure at Superior Road.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that
the request to temporarily close the Mason Street median through the Superior
Road intersection, and to evaluate its traffic impact on the area be approved.
19. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, remove the NO PARKING zone on the north side of
Hubbard Street from a point 75 feet east of North Broadway to a point 35 feet
west of North Broadway.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
removal of the PARKING zone on the north side of Hubbard Street from a point 75
feet east of North Broadway to a point 35 feet west of North Broadway be
adopted by ordinance.
20. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, remove the 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday
to Friday) zone on the north side of Hubbard Street from a point 75 feet east of
North Broadway to a point 200 feet east of North Broadway.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
removal of the 2-HOUR PARKING 7 AM TO 4 PM MONDAY THROOUGH FRIDAY zone on the
north side of Hubbard Street from a point 75 feet east of North Broadway to a
point 200 feet east of North Broadway be adopted by ordinance.
21. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, establish a NO PARKING zone on the north side of
Hubbard Street from a point 125 feet east of North Broadway to a point 35 feet
west of North Broadway.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that a NO
PARKING zone on the north side of Hubbard Street from a point 125 feet east of
North Broadway to a point 35 feet west of North Broadway be adopted by
ordinance.
22. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, establish a 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday
to Friday) zone on the north side of Hubbard Street from a point 125 feet east
of North Broadway to a point 200 feet east of North Broadway.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that a
2-HOUR PARKING 7 AM TO 4 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the north side of
Hubbard Street from a point 125 feet east of North Broadway to a point 200 feet
east of North Broadway be adopted by ordinance.
23. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, establish a NO PARKING zone on the north side of
Proper Street from Newhall Street to Elizabeth Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that a NO
PARKING zone on the north side of Proper Street from Newhall Street to
Elizabeth Street be adopted by ordinance.
24. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, remove the NO PARKING zone on Cherry Street, both
sides, from Washington Street to a point 115 feet west of Washington Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
removal of the NO PARKING zone on Cherry Street, both sides, from Washington
Street to a point 115 feet west of Washington Street be adopted by ordinance.
25. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, remove the NO PARKING, TAXIS, LIMOS AND BUSES ONLY 10
PM TO 2 AM DAILY zone on Cherry Street, north side, from a point 115 feet west
of Washington Street to Adams Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
removal of the NO PARKING, TAXIS, LIMOS AND BUSES ONLY 10 PM TO 2 AM DAILY zone
on Cherry Street, north side, from a point 115 feet west of Washington Street
to Adams Street be adopted by ordinance
26. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, establish a NO STOPPING OR STANDING zone on Cherry
Street, both sides, from Washington Street to and including the cul-de-sac west
of Washington Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
NO STOPPING OR STANDING zone on Cherry Street, both sides, from Washington
Street to the western terminus of Washington Street be adopted by ordinance.
27. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, establish a restricted parking zone (taxis and
limousines only, 10 AM to 2 AM) on Cherry Street, north side, from Washington
Street to Adams Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
NO PARKING, TAXIS, LIMOS AND BUSES ONLY 10 PM TO 2 AM DAILY zone on Cherry
Street, north side, from Washington Street to Adams Street be adopted by
ordinance.
28. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, remove the 30 MINUTE LOADING ZONE DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAYS
zone on the east side of Platten Street from a point 125 feet north of Bond
Street to a point 222 feet north of Bond Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
removal of the 30 MINUTE LOADING EXCEPT SUNDAYS zone on the east side of
Platten Street from a point 125 feet north of Bond Street to a point 222 feet
north of Bond Street be adopted by ordinance.
29. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, remove the NO PARKING zone on both sides of Nicolet
Avenue from West Mason Street to a point 100 feet south of West Mason Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
removal of the NO PARKING zone on both sides of Nicolet Avenue from West Mason
Street to a point 100 feet south of West Mason Street be adopted by ordinance.
30. That,
on a 90-day trial basis, establish a NO PARKING zone on both sides of Nicolet
Avenue from West Mason Street to a point 170 feet south of West Mason Street.
A
motion was made by Judy Kuiper, and seconded by Mr. Hopp and carried that the
NO PARKING zone on both sides of Nicolet Avenue from West Mason Street to a
point 170 feet south of West Mason Street be adopted by ordinance.
There being no other items of discussion, a motion was made by Mr. Hopp, seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried to adjourn from the regular orders of business.
The meeting ended at 8:55 P.M. The next
Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 24, 2006.