MINUTES
TRAFFIC
COMMISSION
City Hall,
Room 210
7:00 pm
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Judy
Kuiper, Brad Hopp, Ald. Gary Kriescher, Matt Kuepers, Charles Karow, Mark
Schuster, and
MEMBERS ABSENT: Cmdr.
Lisa Sterr (excused)
OTHERS PRESENT: Ald. Wiezbiskie, Ald. DeWane, and Recording
Secretary and Traffic Engineer Dave Hansen
1.
Approval of the minutes from the April 23, 2007 Traffic Commission
meeting.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by B. Hopp and carried to approve
the minutes from the April 23, 2007 Traffic Commission meeting.
2.
Request by Ald. Wiezbiskie to establish a 4-WAY STOP condition at the
intersection of Peterson Road and Kathy Drive.
Dave
Hansen, City Traffic Engineer, stated that this request is currently on the DPW
Traffic Division Referred For Study list, and that the Traffic Commission made
a motion at a previous meeting to hold up this study until after a motion was made
on the request to establish a 4-WAY STOP condition at the nearby intersection
of Edinburgh Road and Durham Road (this decision was recently made). The initial request for STOP signs at this
location also included investigating the feasibility of a roundabout. D. Hansen presented the results of the
traffic study to the Commission, which summarized the traffic volumes,
documented crash history (none), intersection sight distance (adequate),
roundabout feasibility, and an ALL-WAY STOP condition warrant analysis (not
met). Based on the study, the
Department of Public Works Traffic Division does not recommend any changes to
the intersection traffic control.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher and seconded by M. Kuepers to suspend the
rules and allow interested parties to speak.
Jerry
Renier (3288 Peterson Road) is concerned that he cannot back out of his
driveway because motorists driving northbound on Kathy Drive that take a left
onto Peterson Road are going too fast, and some pine trees and a house blocks
his view of those motorists. His neighbor has the same problem. He stated that mailboxes and a telephone
pole have been hit near the intersection.
There are tire tracks on his lawn during the winter from errant
vehicles. He stated that a 4-WAY STOP
condition would slow people down. He
stated that motorists don’t stop for the existing 2-WAY STOP condition, and
that they are driving 40 mph after they turn the corner off of Kathy Drive. He stated that many children live in the
area.
J.
Kuipers stated that if motorists are not stopping for the existing 2-WAY STOP
signs, they won’t stop for a 4-WAY STOP condition either.
D.
Hansen stated that the northwest corner used to have a larger radius, making
the intersection wider, but has since been modified to have a tighter radius,
making it more difficult for motorists to speed around the corner.
C.
Karow pointed out that Paula Street and Peterson Road do not line up, making
them two separate intersections with Edinburgh Road and Kathy Drive, respectivly. Therefore, one 4-WAY STOP condition is not
appropriate for this location. Other
geometric options should be considered.
A
motion was made by M. Kuepers and seconded by C. Karow to return to regular
order of business.
A
lengthy discussion took place regarding the intersection site distance,
squaring off the intersection, common failure to STOP at the intersection, the
need for speed enforcement in the area, and alternatives to a 4-WAY STOP at the
intersection.
A
motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by C. Karow and carried that the
request to establish a 4-WAY STOP condition at the intersection of Peterson
Road and Kathy Drive be referred to DPW for study of geometric options at the
intersection.
3. Request
by Ald. Wiezbiskie for traffic control measures at the intersection of East
Shore Drive and Nicolet Drive.
D.
Hansen presented the results of the study to the Commission. Warrants for both traffic signals and
multi-way STOP control were investigated.
He stated that although there are no warrants for roundabouts, typically
roundabouts are justified at intersections with a high crash rate, or that have
or warrant traffic signals or multi-way STOP control. Based on the study, the Department of Public Works Traffic
Division does not recommend any changes to the intersection traffic
control. He stated that although a
roundabout could possibly function well at this location, it would cost a lot
of money to construct. It would be
difficult to secure grant funding since the crash history is low. He mentioned that a similar request is
currently on the DPW Traffic Division Referred For Study list from the Traffic
Commission. That said, he recommended
this request be received and placed on file so that further study and
observations can be made at this location under the previous request.
A
lengthy discussion took place regarding the existing crash history at this
location, costs of roundabouts vs. traffic signals including both construction
and long-term maintenance costs, relocating one of the nearby gas station’s
driveways to the southeast intersection approach, impacts of the proximity of
the gas station entrances to the intersection, back ups on East Shore Drive
approaching the intersection, whether the County or Wisconsin DOT has
jurisdiction of any approaches to the intersection, the design sensitivity of
multi-lane roundabouts, and other ways to improve the intersection.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the
request for traffic control measures at the intersection of East Shore Drive
and Nicolet Drive be received and placed on file.
4.
Request by Ald. DeWane to install traffic signals at the intersection of
Deckner Avenue and Bader Street.
D. Hansen
stated that in order to conduct a traffic signal warrant analysis, intersection
traffic counts need to be performed. He
recommended that this request be referred to staff for study.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by M. Kuepers and carried that the
request to install traffic signals at the intersection of Deckner Avenue and
Bader Street be referred to DPW for Study.
5. Request by Ald. Nicholson
to establish a NO PARKING zone on the west end of the cul-de-sac of Chicago
Court.
D.
Hansen stated that Ald. Nicholson called him and stated he could not make the
meeting tonight. D. Hansen visited this
location and could see the potential backing up problem that the resident at
442 Schwartz St was having (she backed up into a vehicle in 2006 per Ald.
Nicholson). He spoke in favor of the
request.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by C. Karow and carried that, on a
90-day trial, to
establish a NO PARKING zone on both sides of Chicago Court from its westerly
terminus to a point 70 feet west of Schwartz Street.
6.
Request by Ald. Fradette to remove the NO PARKING ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
sign from the 800 block of N. Baird Street.
D.
Hansen stated that the road is wide enough to accommodate on-street parking,
which it currently has except at specific times on Saturdays and Sundays.
J.
Kuiper and M. Kuepers questioned if the alderman asked the residents in that
block of their acceptance or disapproval of lifting the existing parking
restriction.
A
motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by M. Kuepers and carried that the request
to remove the NO PARKING ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY sign from the 800 block of N.
Baird Street be postponed until the June 25, 2007 meeting in order for Ald.
Fradette to obtain the opinions of the nearby constituents.
7.
Request by Ald. Deneys to establish a NO PARKING DURING ATHLETIC EVENTS
zone on the south side of Bond Street between Military Avenue and Fisk Street.
D.
Hansen spoke in favor of the request.
Establishing the Bond Street parking restriction will improve pedestrian
safety by concentrating the pedestrian crossings to the intersections of Kelly
Jo Drive and Silver Spring Drive since its likely that the athletic event
parkers will now use those streets.
A discussion
took place about concerns of heavy motorist and pedestrian traffic on Bond
Street during ball games and other activities at Perkins Park.
Ald.
Kriescher and M. Schuster questioned if the residents on Kelly Jo Drive and
Silver Spring Drive would not approve of this proposed parking restriction
because it would likely encourage athletic event participants and spectators to
park on those streets. M. Kuepers and
M. Schuster stated there are parking lots available at the park, and that they
don’t always fill up because people don’t want to walk so far to the game
playing fields.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by C. Karow and carried that, on a
90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING DURING ATHLETIC EVENTS zone on the
south side of Bond Street between Military Avenue and Fisk Street.
REFERRED BACK FROM COUNCIL
8.
Request by Ald. DeWane to allow parking by Blessed Sacrament Church on
Webster Avenue and Day Street on Fridays through Sundays for church mass and
events.
Ald.
DeWane stated that Ald. Fradette asked him to refer this item back to the
Traffic Commission.
J.
Kuiper stated that since Ald. Fradette was not present at this meeting that
this request be postponed to the next Traffic Commission meeting.
A
motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the
request to allow parking by Blessed Sacrament Church on Webster Avenue and Day
Street on Fridays through Sundays for church mass and events be postponed until
the June 25, 2007 meeting.
9.
That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00
PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the west side of Adams Street from a point 50 feet
south of Stuart Street to a point 45 feet north of Crooks Street.
A motion was made by M. Kuepers, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the removal of the 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the west side of Adams Street from a point 50 feet south of Stuart Street to a point 45 feet north of Crooks Street be adopted by ordinance.
10. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
3-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the west side of
Adams Street from a point 50 feet south of Stuart Street to a point 300 feet
south of Stuart Street.
A motion was made by M. Kuepers, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the 3-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the west side of Adams Street from a point 50 feet south of Stuart Street to a point 300 feet south of Stuart Street be established and adopted by ordinance.
11. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the west side of
Adams Street from a point 300 feet south of Stuart Street to a point 45 feet
north of Crooks Street.
A motion was made by M. Kuepers, seconded by B. Hopp and
carried that the 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the
west side of Adams Street from a point 300 feet south of Stuart Street to a
point 45 feet north of Crooks Street be established and adopted by ordinance.
12. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the
2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on both sides of Stuart
Street from Washington Street to Adams Street.
A motion was made by M. Kuepers, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the removal of the 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on both sides of Stuart Street from Washington Street to Adams Street be adopted by ordinance.
13. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the north side of
Stuart Street from Washington Street to Adams Street.
A motion was made by M. Kuepers, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the north side of Stuart Street from Washington Street to Adams Street be established and adopted by ordinance.
14. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the south side of
Stuart Street from Washington Street to a point 200 feet west of Adams Street.
A motion was made by M. Kuepers, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the 2-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the south side of Stuart Street from Washington Street to a point 200 feet west of Adams Street be adopted by ordinance.
15. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
3-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the south side of
Stuart Street from a point 100 feet west of Adams Street to Adams Street.
A motion was made by M. Kuepers, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the 3-HOUR PARKING (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM) MONDAY - FRIDAY zone on the south side of Stuart Street from a point 100 feet west of Adams Street to Adams Street be established and adopted by ordinance.
16. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
2-HOUR PARKING on the south side of Basten Street from a point 95 feet east of
Henry Street to Mech Street.
A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the 2-HOUR PARKING zone on the south side of Basten Street from a point 95 feet east of Henry Street to Mech Street be established and adopted by ordinance.
17. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the
NO STOPPING OR STANDING zone on the north side of Fagerville Way from a point
560 feet west of Sussex Road to Sussex Road.
A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the removal of the NO STOPPING OR STANDING zone on the north side of Fagerville Way from a point 560 feet west of Sussex Road to Sussex Road be adopted by ordinance.
18. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
NO PARKING 7AM-4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the north side of Fagerville Way from a
point 560 feet west of Sussex Road to Sussex Road.
A motion was made by Ald. Kriescher, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the NO PARKING 7AM-4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the north side of Fagerville Way from a point 560 feet west of Sussex Road to Sussex Road be established and adopted by ordinance.
19. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the
1-WAY STOP condition on Wood Lane at West Point Road.
D. Hansen stated that 8 persons contacted him during the trial period opposing the March 20, 2007 removal of the 1-WAY STOP condition on Wood Lane at West Point Road. A summary of their comments follows.
Bonnie Sprutles commented on March 26, 2007. She is opposed to the 3-WAY STOP condition recently established.
Dan Trucky commented on March 26, 2007. He stated that there is now undue wait times at the intersection. He also was not in support of the ALL-WAY STOP conditions at South Point Road and others along West Point Road.
Mark Truckey commented on March 26, 2007. He is opposed to the 3-WAY STOP condition recently established. He now stops more often then before, and is now taking West Mason Street to bypass these STOP signs.
Mike Rowe (3345 Haven Place) commented on March 27, 2007. He wonders why the police are not enforcing speeds. Placing STOP signs is a poor substitute for more more speed enforcement.
Robert Kersten (2617 Zak Lane) commented on April 20, 2007. He read the “cheers” for the recent change to 3-WAY STOP in the Cheers & Jeers section of the Green Bay Press Gazette. Between 4:30 and 5 PM, he has witnessed many motorists “cruising” through the STOP signs because nobody was present at the Wood Lane approach. During this visit, he saw 7 cars lined up on West Point Road and 8 cars lined up on 9th Street while no pedestrians and cars were on Wood Lane.
All 3 officers on the day shift of the Green Bay Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit are opposed to the 3-WAY STOP condition. D. Hansen read aloud an e-mail from them. In it, they stated that two of the three officers have patrolled this area but that speeding is not much of a problem. They cannot remember the last time they ever got a complaint in the area. They encouraged Ald. VanderLeest to do a ride along with them to show them the problem first so they could address it or show that there is not a problem.
D. Hansen stated that others have contacted him opposing the 3-WAY STOP condition but did not want to go on record. Nobody contacted him in favor of the 3-WAY STOP condition. He recommended each person that contacted him about this 3-WAY STOP trial to contact Ald. VanderLeest to express their opinion.
At the February Traffic Commission meeting, 2 persons spoke in favor of the 3-WAY STOP signs of which their commentary is documented in those minutes. Others showed up but did not go on record.
J. Kuiper asked D. Hansen what his recommendation was. D. Hansen replied that he was not in support of establishing a 3-WAY STOP before its installation, and maintains that same position after its installation even after observation. He noted similar issues as commented by R. Kersten, and that crossing pedestrians are less safe now that motorists are “cruising” through the STOP signs.
C. Karow asked if the intersection met MULTI-WAY STOP warrants. D. Hansen replied no.
M. Schuster, prior to serving as a member on the Traffic Commission, was in attendance at the meeting that this initial request was placed and discussed. He stated that the primary reason the persons who spoke in favor of the 3-WAY STOP condition requested them because they wanted motorists to STOP so that children could safely cross West Point Road at Wood Lane. After this meeting, M. Schuster visited the intersection and observed that no sidewalk exists on Wood Lane. J. Kuiper and Ald. Kriescher stated that the opposite was claimed at the meeting by those in support of the STOP signs.
C. Karow stated that he cannot see the STOP signs on West Point Road as he travels westbound around the curve prior to the STOP. And although there are STOP AHEAD 350 FEET advance signs, those are now covered by tree leaves. If indeed the request was to improve safety for crossing pedestrians, then the request should have been made for the West Point Road and Hobart Drive intersection where there are more children that cross, and a crossing guard is present and the road is straight. He recommended to the Committee though that warrants should need to be investigated at that location before STOP signs are placed there.
J. Kuiper stated that with all of the emerging information that the STOP signs should be taken down.
D. Hansen cautioned the Commission that he did not want to see the STOP signs removed and then have them put back in after the initial requestors learn of the decision to remove them and petition back for their re-installation. Such variability in intersection traffic control is not safe, will likely decrease safety, and will confuse motorists. A solid decision needs be made and this decision needs to be adhered to for the safety of all users of that intersection.
Ald. Kriescher reminded the Commission of the comments and concerns in the e-mail from the GBPD Traffic Enforcement Unit. J. Kuiper stated that the Traffic Commission should address them.
M. Kuepers understands that the residents live near the intersection, and can understand their concerns, but also understands that staff and police have studied the intersection, and have made professional recommendations to the Traffic Commission.
C. Karow stated that the City has a hierchy of streets, where 9th Street and West Point Road are “little brothers” to West Mason Street. They are designed to keep traffic going. Wood Lane is not in this category. Putting up more STOP signs on these types of roads defeats the purpose of our street hierchy.
D. Hansen stated that the speed limit on West Point Road in this area was reduced in the relatively recent past from 30 mph to 25 mph. And if GBPD is stating that speeding is not a problem, doesn’t that mean that motorists are for the most part driving at safe speeds.
A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried to rescind the 90-day trial to remove the 1-WAY STOP condition on Wood Lane at West Point Road. B. Hopp and M. Kuepers opposed the motion.
20. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a
3-WAY STOP condition at West Point Road and Wood Lane.
Items 19 and 20 are related. Refer to Item 19 for discussion.
A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by M.
Schuster, and carried to rescind the 90-day trial to establish a 3-WAY STOP
condition on Wood Lane at West Point Road.
There being no other items of discussion, a motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by M. Schuster and carried to adjourn from the regular orders of business. The meeting ended at 8:30 P.M. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 25, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.