MINUTES OF THE

TRAFFIC COMMISSION

Monday, August 28, 2006

City Hall, Room 310

7:00 PM

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:            Chairperson Judy Kuiper, Vice-Chairperson Carol Macaux, Cmdr. Jim Arts, Ald. Gary Kriescher, Matt Kuepers, and George Hoell

MEMBERS ABSENT:            Brad Hopp (excused)

OTHERS PRESENT:            Recording Secretary and Traffic Engineer Dave Hansen

1.            Approval of the minutes from the July 24, 2006 Traffic Commission

meeting.

A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by Cmdr. Jim Arts and carried to approve the minutes of the July 24, 2006 Traffic Commission meeting.

INITIAL REQUESTS

 

2.            Request by Ald. Deneys, on behalf of Corine Grondon (404 Kelly Jo Drive), to install DEAF CHILD AREA signs on Kelly Jo Drive.

            Mr. Hansen stated that the deaf child lives in a duplex.  DPW sends out letters to all requestors of DEAF CHILD AREA, BLIND CHILD AREA, and WHEELCHAIR AREA signs roughly every two years to determine if the signs are still needed.

            A motion was made by Cmdr. Arts and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that the request to install DEAF CHILD AREA signs on Kelly Jo Drive be approved.

3.            Request by Ald. Nicholson to install pedestrian flashing beacons near the intersection of Amy and Schwartz Streets.

            Mr. Hansen stated that Ald. Nicholson requested this item be referred for study so that the study could take place during the school year.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that the request to install pedestrian flashing beacons near the intersection of Amy and Schwartz Streets be referred to DPW for study.

4.            Request by Ald. Wery, on behalf of Jennifer Sperber (818 Redwood Drive), for a traffic study between Mason Street and Hickory Hill Drive.

            Mr. Hansen stated that no crashes were reported within the last three years on Redwood Drive between West Mason Street and Hickory Hill Drive.  He is not sure why the request was made, but presumed that additional traffic is using Redwood Drive due to the nearby Oneida Street reconstruction project.

            Commander Arts agreed that if there is an increase in traffic on Redwood Drive, it’s likely that it is due to motorists avoiding the Oneida Street construction.

            Alderman Kriescher stated he travels this road and rarely sees traffic on it.

            A motion was made by Ms. Macaux and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the request for a traffic study between Mason Street and Hickory Hill Drive be postponed until the November 27, 2006, Traffic Commission meeting in order to observe traffic patterns after the completion of the Oneida Street reconstruction, and also to determine from the requestor and/or Ald. Wery what traffic concerns exist.

5.            Request by Ald. Wery, on behalf of Andrew Debaker, to investigate options regarding the ban on overnight street parking.

            Alderman Kriescher stated that this same request has been brought forward to the Traffic Commission many times.  He still supports the ordinance because the benefits out-weigh the consequences.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the request to investigate options regarding the ban on overnight street parking be denied.

6.            Request by Ald. Wiezbiskie to establish a NO PARKING zone on the west side of Durham Road from Bay Watch Drive to Fagerville Road.

            Mr. Hansen stated that he presumes this request came from residents that have experienced unavailable on-street parking during soccer games at Red Smith Elementary School.

            Ms. Kuiper said she spoke with Ald. Wiezbiskie and he stated the request was because of on-street parking issues during soccer games.

            Commander Arts said that if the request was approved, the restricted parking zone would be difficult to enforce because of police and parking utility staffing levels during the times of the games.

            Alderman Kriescher stated that the requested restricted parking zone would be undesirable to the nearby residents when school or soccer games are not in season because they could not park in front of their homes during the entire year.  Parking would be only available across the street.

            A motion was made by Ms. Macaux and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the request to establish a NO PARKING zone on the west side of Durham Road from Bay Watch Drive to Fagerville Road be postponed until the September 25, 2006, Traffic Commission meeting so the requestors can provide their opinions on the request.

7.            Request by Ald. Wiezbiskie to establish a NO PARKING zone on the north side of Bay Watch Drive from Sussex Street to Durham Road.

            A motion was made by Ms. Macaux and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the request to establish a NO PARKING zone on the north side of Bay Watch Drive from Sussex Street to Durham Road be postponed until the September 25, 2006, Traffic Commission meeting so the requestors can provide their opinions on the request.

8.            Request by Ald. Wiezbiskie for a study of the intersection traffic control at East Shore and Nicolet Drives.

            Mr. Hansen presented an aerial map of the intersection, and noted some of the unique characteristics of the intersection including its proximity to the UWGB campus, two commercial driveways just east of the intersection, and the south leg servicing the primary access to a large apartment complex.  The intersection currently operates under two-way stop control, stopping East Shore Drive and the apartment access approaches.  Not sure which forms of traffic control are of interest.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried that the request for a study of the intersection traffic control at East Shore and Nicolet Drives be referred to DPW for study.

9.            Request by Ald. Theisen to establish a NO PARKING zone on the east side of South Adams Street in the 600 block.

            Mr. Hansen stated that Ald. Theisen requested this on behalf of residents who have complained that it is difficult to see around parked vehicles on the east side of South Adams Street as they arrive at the STOP sign westbound on Jefferson Way.  Photos and aerial map were shown.  Mr. Hansen called Bill Nabak, General Manager of the Green Bay Water Utility, to notify him of this request and to ask if he had any concerns or objections to the request.  Mr. Nabak said as long as on-street parking was still available in front of the water utility building for customers, he did not have any concerns with it.

            Commander Arts stated there is a parking lot just west of the Jefferson Way and South Adams Street intersection.

            A motion was made by Cmdr. Arts and seconded by Mr. Kuepers and carried, that on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING zone on the east side of Adams Street from a point 135 feet north of Jefferson Way to a point 225 feet south of Jefferson Way.

10.            Request by Ald. VanderLeest to establish a STOP or YIELD condition at Southview Lane and Careful Drive.

            Mr. Hansen presented photos and a map of the intersection area.  Motorists must travel uphill on Southview Lane to this uncontrolled, three-approach intersection at Careful Drive.  There is a large tree on the southwest corner that could make it difficult for motorists approaching the intersection from the south to see eastbound vehicles.  No crashes were reported within the last three years at the intersection.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Ms. Macaux and carried that on a 90-day trial to establish a YIELD condition on Southview Lane at Careful Drive.

11.            Request by Ald. DeWane to replace the name-of-street signs at the intersection of Traders Point and Castle Hill Lanes.

            Alderman Kriescher stated that this request was placed to the DPW Operations Division prior to this meeting, and the sign work order was issued to replace the missing name-of-street signs.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the request to replace the name-of-street signs at the intersection of Traders Point and Castle Hill Lanes be received and place on file.

12.            Request by the Traffic Engineer to remove the NO PARKING zone on both sides of Washington Way from Pine Street to Washington Street.

            Mr. Hansen stated Items 12-15 are related to the Washington Way right-of-way vacation for the Astor Place Condos development. The new road to access this development will be Admiral Flatley Court.  Items 12-14 are related to the removal of Washington Way.  Item 15 is for the future installation of a STOP condition on Admiral Flatley Court at the realigned Washington Street.

A motion was made by Cmdr. Arts and seconded by Ms. Macaux and carried that the request to remove the NO PARKING zone on both sides of Washington Way from Pine Street to Washington Street be adopted by ordinance because of the Astor Place Condos construction.

13.            Request by the Traffic Engineer to remove the Washington Way at Pine Street STOP condition.

A motion was made by Cmdr. Arts and seconded by Ms. Macaux and carried that the request to remove the Washington Way at Pine Street STOP condition be adopted by ordinance because of the Astor Place Condos construction.

14.            Request by the Traffic Engineer to remove the Washington Way at Washington Street STOP condition.

A motion was made by Cmdr. Arts and seconded by Ms. Macaux and carried that the request to remove the Washington Way at Washington Street STOP condition be adopted by ordinance because of the Astor Place Condos construction.

15.            Request by the Traffic Engineer to establish a STOP condition on Admiral Flatley Court at Washington Street.
           

            A motion was made by Cmdr. Arts and seconded by Ms. Macaux and carried that the request to establish a STOP condition on Admiral Flatley Court at Washington Street be adopted by ordinance because of the Astor Place Condos construction.

POSTPONED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

 

16.            Request by Ald. Deneys to move the NO PARKING zone on Dousman Street between Boland Road and Murphy Drive from the south side of the street to the north side.

            Mr. Hansen stated that in January 2003, there was a request and a motion to restrict parking on the north side of Dousman Street in this segment.  But during the 90-day trial, the residents along the north side objected to the new zone and requested it be rescinded.  A copy of a letter from former Alderman Dax asking to rescind the request was provided.  The Traffic Commission rescinded the 90-day trial on February 10, 2003.

            A motion was made by Cmdr. Arts and seconded by Ald. Kriescher and carried that the request to move the NO PARKING zone on Dousman Street between Boland Road and Murphy Drive from the south side of the street to the north side be denied.

17.            Request by Ald. Fradette, on behalf of Byia Martin (1021 Day Street), to establish a NO PARKING zone in front of her property, allowing only para transit vehicles for disabled patrons.

            Mr. Hansen stated that Ald. Fradette requested Mr. Hansen to contact Byia Martin on his behalf.  Mr. Hansen attempted multiple times to contact Byia Martin but with no success.  He presented an aerial map and photos showing the house at 1021 Day Street and the surrounding street network including the alley behind the house and the on-site sidewalk that connects the garage (which connects to the alley) to the front of the house and the local sidewalk system.  Mr. Hansen stated that the City has never established a special para-transit parking zone.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Ms. Macaux and carried that the request to establish a NO PARKING zone in front of 1021 Day Street, allowing only para transit vehicles for disabled patrons be postponed until the September 25, 2006, Traffic Commission meeting.

18.            Request by Ald. Weber for a speed inhibition sign of some nature at the curve where Summer Place turns into Mojave Trail.

            Mr. Hansen showed an aerial map of the roadway network and photos of the westbound approach to the curve.  Mr. Hansen stated that this curve shares the same roadway and roadside characteristics of many of the nearby curves in the subdivision and within the City.  During his field inspection, he did not see any evidence of vehicles running off the roadway.

A motion was made by Ms. Macaux and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the request for a speed inhibition sign of some nature at the curve where Summer Place turns into Mojave Trail be received and placed on file.

REFERRED FROM IMPROVEMENT & SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

19.             Request by Ald. Weber to consider the installation of sidewalks on the west side of Packerland Drive between Indian Hills and Larsen Road, and on the east side of Country Club Road for its entire length, be referred to the Traffic Commission for study and recommendation.

Mr. Hansen stated that 11 pedestrians were counted in a 12-hour period on Packerland Drive near the Post Office in 2004.  Traffic volumes in this same area on Packerland Drive are about 18,420 vehicles per day.  Similarly, 23 pedestrians were counted in a 12-hour period earlier this month on Country Club Road.  Traffic volumes in this same area on Country Club Road were 6,200 vehicles per day.  There are no sidewalks in the nearby vicinity that lead to other areas.  No “beaten path” exists beside either roadway from high off-road pedestrian use .  Currently, 4” thick sidewalk is priced at $2.60 per square foot.  Under new construction, pedestrian sidewalks would be constructed as part of a project.  But if sidewalks were installed today on either street, that cost would be assessed to the adjacent property owners.

Commander Arts doesn’t believe sidewalks are warranted.

Alderman Kriescher asked if pedestrians are walking late at night.

Mr. Kuepers states the businesses could be concerned with the assessment.

A motion was made by Ms. Macaux and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the recommendation of the Traffic Commission of the request to consider the installation of sidewalks on the west side of Packerland Drive between Indian Hills and Larsen Road, and on the east side of Country Club Road for its entire length is that pedestrian sidewalks are not feasible along these two sections of roadway based on the documented low traffic volumes on (Country Club Road) and low pedestrian traffic (on Packerland Drive and Country Club Road) and that nearby sidewalks do not exist to connect to such proposed sidewalk.

REFERRED BACK FROM STUDY

 

20.             Request by Ald. Wiezbiskie, on behalf of Don Baenen (990 Mt. Hood Court), for a NO COMPRESSION BRAKING sign on northbound Interstate 43, Exit #185 (University Avenue and Hwy. 54/57).

Mr. Hansen stated that the City has 47 NO ENGINE BRAKING signs posted at all truck route entry points to the City.  A map was presented showing these locations.  Fabrication alone for these 47 signs was estimated to cost the City around $2000-$3000.  The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has established a policy on installing such signs on highways under their jurisdiction, such as Interstate 43.  This policy was paraphrased to the Traffic Commission.  The policy only allows for the installation of such signs at or near the corporate limits, and specifically states that these signs shall not be used at site-specific locations such as at interchange ramps.  If such signs were installed, larger plywood signs mounted on two 4x6 posts would be required.  Estimate is $1500, fabrication only.

A motion was made by Mr. Kuepers and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the request for a NO COMPRESSION BRAKING sign on northbound Interstate 43, Exit #185 (University Avenue and Hwy. 54/57) be denied because the DOT policy won’t allow the installation per their Traffic Guidelines Manual, Chapter 2, Section 2, Subject 30, Engine Braking Signing, plus the City has 47 NO ENGINE BRAKING signs already installed at all non-interstate truck route entry points to the City.

TERMINATION OF TRIAL PERIODS

 

21.       That, on a 90-day trial basis, a YIELD sign on Hidden Way at Swiss Meadow Lanes be installed.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the installation of a YIELD sign on Hidden Way at Swiss Meadow Lanes be adopted by ordinance.

22.       That, on a 90-day trial, a YIELD sign at the intersection of Langlade Avenue and Katers Drive be installed.

            A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and carried that the installation of a YIELD sign at the intersection of Langlade Avenue and Katers Drive be adopted by ordinance.

23.       That, on a 90-day trial basis,

A.        Establish a NO PARKING zone on the south side of Eliza Street from Suydam Street to a point 280 feet west of Suydam Street.

B.        Establish a NO PARKING zone on the west side of Suydam Street from Eliza Street to a point 255 feet south of Eliza Street.

A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Cmdr. Arts

and carried that the NO PARKING zone on the south side of Eliza Street

from Suydam Street to a point 280 feet west of Suydam Street, and,

that the NO PARKING zone on the west side of Suydam Street from Eliza

Street to a point 255 feet south of Eliza Street be adopted by ordinance.

24.       That, on a 90-day trial basis:

A.        Establish a NO PARKING zone on both sides of John Street from a point 55 feet south of Cass Street to a point 50 feet north of Cass Street.

B.        Establish a NO PARKING zone on the east side of John Street from a point 50 feet south of Louise Street to a point 35 feet north of Louise Street.

C.        Establish a NO PARKING zone on the east side of John Street from a point 50 feet south of Edison Street to a point 55 feet north of Edison Street.

D.        Establish a NO PARKING zone on the east side of John Street from Amy Street to a point 60 feet north of Amy Street.

A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Cmdr. Arts

and carried that the NO PARKING zone on both sides of John Street from a point 55 feet south of Cass Street to a point 50 feet north of Cass Street be adopted by ordinance, and, that the NO PARKING zone on the east side of John Street from a point 50 feet south of Louise Street to a point 35 feet north of Louise Street be adopted by ordinance, and, that the NO PARKING zone on the east side of John Street from a point 50 feet south of Edison Street to a point 55 feet north of Edison Street be adopted by ordinance, and, that the NO PARKING zone on the east side of John Street from Amy Street to a point 60 feet north of Amy Street be adopted by ordinance.

 

25.       That, on a 90-day trial, establish a 2 HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 4PM ON SCHOOL DAYS zone on the east side of Huth Street between Melon Street and Newberry Avenue.

A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by Cmdr. Arts and

carried that a 2 HOUR PARKING 7AM TO 4PM ON

SCHOOL DAYS zone on the east side of Huth Street between Melon

Street and Newberry Avenue be adopted by ordinance.

26.             Review of 2006 second quarter serious/fatal traffic crashes within the City of Green Bay.

Commander Arts distributed copies of fatal crash reports from the 4th Quarter of 2005.  Two reported crashes were described in which there were three total fatalities.  The determining factors in both crashes were related to speed and alcohol over the legal limit.

A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, and seconded by Ms. Macaux and carried that the report of the 4th Quarter Serious/Fatal Traffic Crashes within the city limits of Green Bay be received and placed on file.