MINUTES

TRAFFIC COMMISSION

Monday, March 30, 2009

City Hall, Room 310

5:30 pm

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Judy Kuiper, Vice Chairperson Brad Hopp, Alderman Andy Nicholson (arrived at 5:42 PM), Charles Karow, Mark Schuster, and Lieutenant Brad Florence for Commander Lisa Sterr

MEMBERS ABSENT: Matt Kuepers

OTHERS PRESENT: Alderwoman Amy Kocha, Alderman Tom DeWane, Alderman Tom Weber, Alderman John VanderLeest, Alderman Guy Zima, and Recording Secretary and Traffic Engineer Dave Hansen

GENERAL BUSINESS

1. Approval of the minutes from the February 23, 2009 Traffic Commission meeting.

A motion was made by B. Hopp , seconded by C. Karow, and carried to approve the minutes from the February 23, 2009 Traffic Commission meeting.

The remaining items were taken in this order: 7, 21, 4, 13, 12, 11, 9-10, 2-3, 5-6, 8, 16-20

2. Report by the Traffic Engineer on modifications by Council to March 19, 2009 Traffic Commission Council Report.

Dave Hansen, City Traffic Engineer, stated that the Kathy/Peterson 4-WAY STOP item was changed from a “be received and placed on file” motion to an “approved” motion with other sign enhancements included.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the report by the Traffic Engineer on modifications by Council to March 19, 2009 Traffic Commission Council Report be received and placed on file.

3. Report by the Traffic Engineer on March 19, 2009 Council action to remove traffic signals at 7 locations.

D. Hansen stated that Council approved a motion from the Improvement & Services Committee to begin a trial period of the removal of 5 traffic signals. During the trial period, the signals will flash yellow on the main street and red on the minor street, to emulate a 2 –WAY STOP. One intersection, Fisk/Western, will flash red all approaches to emulate a 4-WAY STOP. Two more intersections are under consideration for removal but selection of 2-WAY STOP vs. 4-WAY STOP is still being decided before the intersections go into flash.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried that the report by the Traffic Engineer on March 19, 2009 Council action to remove traffic signals at 7 locations be received and placed on file.

INITIAL REQUESTS

4. Request by Ald. DeWane to evaluate the placement of a DANGEROUS CURVE sign around the 2700-2800 block of Newberry Avenue.

D. Hansen presented a map of the area.

Ald. DeWane stated that there have been 3 crashes in this area. The street is not well lit by the curve. A resident requested the sign.

D. Hansen stated that the Improvement & Services Committee received a request to address the dark street lighting in this area. Although the requested sign is not needed based on engineering criteria, a curve warning sign could improve motorist safety.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by B. Hopp, and carried that DPW be directed to install a DANGEROUS CURVE sign around the 2700-2800 block of Newberry Avenue.

5. Request by Ald. Theisen for a speed and safety study at the intersection of Webster Avenue and Grignon Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that the request for a speed and safety study at the intersection of Webster Avenue and Grignon Street be referred to DPW for study.

6. Request by Ald. Theisen to install DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION signs at the intersection of Webster Avenue and Cass Street.

D. Hansen stated that northbound vehicles waiting for a green light at Mason/Webster sometimes spill back into the Webster/Cass intersection. The sign would inform motorists to keep the intersection clear when the traffic signal displays red.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that DPW be directed to install DO NOT BLOCK INTERSECTION signs at the intersection of Webster Avenue and Cass Street.

7. Request by Ald. Kocha to establish a 30-MINUTE parking zone on both sides of Morrow Street from Henry Street to the railroad tracks.

D. Hansen stated he researched the existing parking restrictions and learned that a NO PARKING zone exists on the south side of Morrow St just west of the intersection and a NO PARKING HERE TO CORNER zone exists on the north side of Morrow St on each side of the intersection. However, upon field inspection, he discovered the parking signs are missing on the south side. He stated that trucks enter and exit the business northeast of the Morrow/Henry intersection. Those trucks have a difficult time seeing and maneuvering around on-street parked vehicles. He recommended either (a) extending the NO PARKING zone on the north side of Morrow St to within 25-ft of the nearest track rail, or (b) establishing a 1-HOUR zone in the requested area, as the City does not establish 30-MINUTE parking zones.

Ald. Kocha opposed a NO PARKING zone. She stated that interested parties were present at the meeting and want to speak about the request.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, and seconded by Lt. Florence to suspend the rules and allow interested parties to speak.

John Koenigseder (443 N Henry St) concerned that parked vehicles will conflict with entering/exiting of trucks. Also, when Dressed Beef shifts release, workers are crossing the street to access their vehicles, making it dangerous. He supports keeping the NO PARKING zone on the south side. He presented photos of the issue.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, and seconded by M. Schuster to return to regular order of business.

A brief discussion took place about the existing parking zones.

A brief discussion took place about the need to restore the missing NO PARKING signs on the south side of Morrow Street. D. Hansen stated that staff will restore them.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried that, on a 90-day trial, to establish a 1-HOUR PARKING 7 AM TO 4 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the north side of Morrow Street from a point 230 feet west of Henry Street to Henry Street.

8. Request by Ald. Zima to review and consider removing the eastbound NO LEFT TURN condition on Walnut Street at Museum Place.

D. Hansen stated that the NO LEFT TURN condition was established just after the Main St Bridge over the Fox River was closed prior to and during its last reconstruction. The NO LEFT TURN condition was not rescinded after the opening of the new bridge. The restriction no longer is needed.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by C. Karow, and carried to remove the eastbound NO LEFT TURN condition on Walnut Street at Museum Place.

9. Request by Aspiro to install pedestrian flashing beacons on Dousman Street at Murphy Drive.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, and seconded by Lt. Florence to suspend the rules and allow interested parties to speak.

Mike Duschene (ASPIRO, Inc) spoke in favor of flashing beacons. He’s concerned with pedestrian safety. Staff/parents seen flashing beacon at Northern and Dousman. Have seen officers issuing tickets. There has been no safety issues to report since the new bus route was established. Walking assistance is available at the south side and by their parking lot.

Chris Phelps, Transit Director, stated that on Jan 9^th the new bus route started. Other routes were eliminated and consolidated. He spoke in favor of the flashing beacons.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, and seconded by Lt. Florence to return to regular order of business.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by C. Karow, that DPW be directed to:

A. Install pedestrian flashing beacons on Dousman Street at Murphy Drive near ASPIRO, Inc.

B. Adjust the existing pedestrian crossing signs on Dousman Street at Murphy Drive

Lt. Florence and M. Schuster voted no. J. Kuiper broke the tie vote by voting yes. Motion carried.

10. Request by Ald. VanderLeest for a written update from the Green Bay School District on the requested funding for LED lighting to be installed on Packerland Drive (The City of Green Bay approved LED lighting to be installed on Packerland Drive with 50% cost share with the Green Bay School District).

Ald. VanderLeest stated the school board will discuss this issue. The Southwest High School Principal and the PTA are in support of flashing signs. A letter should be sent from DPW to the school district superintendent and school board president requesting funding of the signs.

A lengthy discussion took place.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that DPW send a letter to the Superintendent, School Board President, and School Board members requesting the Green Bay Public School District to participate in 50% of the cost to furnish and install flashing LED blinker signs along Packerland Drive near Southwest High School.

11. Request by Ald. VanderLeest for a follow up on recommendations to improve the West Mason Street Frontage Road & Packerland Drive intersection.

D. Hansen recommended that this request be addressed during the same business owners’ meeting referenced in Item 12 (which was discussed before this item).

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by B. Hopp, and carried that the request for a follow up on recommendations to improve the West Mason Street Frontage Road & Packerland Drive intersection be referred to staff.

Ald. Nicholson left meeting at 6:20 PM and returned at 6:30 PM.

12. Request by Ald. VanderLeest for an update on the City’s request to WisDOT for a right-out access from the West Mason South Frontage Road to West Mason Street between Hwy 41 and Hinkle Street and to discuss other options to improve the traffic situation on the West Mason Street Frontage Road.

Ald. VanderLeest stated that after the Chili’s Restaurant opened, there have been traffic problems along the frontage road. He wants more than short term solutions to the traffic problem. A petition was submitted to the Commission.

A motion was made by B. Hopp, and seconded by Ald. Nicholson to suspend the rules and allow interested parties to speak.

David Maraz (1231 Riverside Dr, Suamico), spoke in favor of road improvements. There are 22 businesses between Aurora and Packerland Dr. He is involved with Los Banditos restaurant. He wants a 2^nd turn lane right added to the northbound approach of Mason/Hinkle. He offered another option, which is to open up the frontage road at Isbell St to alleviate the problem.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, and seconded by B. Hopp to return to regular order of business.

A lengthy discussion took place.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by B. Hopp, and carried that DPW organize a meeting with staff and business owners to discuss short and long term solutions to the traffic issues along the South Mason Street Frontage Road near Hinkle Street.

13. Request by Ald. Weber to reconsider the proposed installation of traffic signals at East Mason Street and Ontario Road by substituting a roundabout at that intersection as well as at East Mason Street and Huron Road.

A brief discussion took place whether Traffic Commission was the correct committee to be reviewing the request.

D. Hansen stated that traffic signals are scheduled to be installed at Mason/Ontario intersection this year (signal installation approved by Traffic Commission and Council in 2006). A lengthy and detailed traffic impact study was prepared for the once-proposed Wal-Mart Supercenter development which was to be constructed at the northwest corner of Mason/Huron. This study concluded that multiple warrants were met for the installation of traffic signals at Mason/Ontario even without the Wal-Mart development. Staff agreed with this conclusion and is proceeding forward with traffic signal installation. He continued that the City would realize a significant cost savings by installing traffic signals vs. reconstructing the intersection since underground traffic signal equipment was installed less than a decade ago when E Mason St was constructed through Ontario Rd. He estimated it would cost around $57,000 to complete the installation of traffic signals. DPW Engineering staff provided an estimate of $378,000 to reconstruct Mason/Ontario as a roundabout. It is probable that real estate for street right-of-way would need to be purchased in order to fit a roundabout in at this intersection. The engineers estimate does not include real estate costs.

Ald. Weber understands the financial considerations between the 2 alternatives. He supports referring this request to the Improvement & Services Committee. He stated that a system of roundabouts would be in place along Ontario Rd and along Huron Rd if both Mason St intersections were roundabouts, given the Village of Bellevue has roundabouts at the nearest major intersections south of the city limit. If consideration of roundabouts was not permitted because a system of them would not result, then roundabouts would never be installed anywhere. He has spoken with Ald. Wiezbiskie about this request because his work office is at the intersection. Some of his co-workers support the installation of a roundabout at Mason/Ontario. He knows someone who was t-boned at the intersection about 4 weeks ago. He agrees that traffic signals will improve intersection safety, but alternatives should be explored. It would cost less to construct a roundabout now rather than in the future. Nearby street, Voyager Dr, also has traffic backups and crash problems.

D. Hansen responded that safety improvements were made in late 2007 at Voyager/Ontario, and has seen a significant drop in the number of crashes since then.

Ald. Weber replied that a roundabout at Mason/Ontario would improve the traffic backup issues. The intersection is wide, which provides plenty of street right-of-way to build a roundabout.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, and seconded by B. Hopp to suspend the rules and allow interested parties to speak.

Eugene Schmitts (Jauquet Dr) spoke against roundabouts. There are many trucks near Huron/Mason; Procter & Gamble is in the proximity. Trucks on the JJ roundabout is dangerous; roundabouts don’t work during peak hours.

John Bunker (Morningwood Ct) stated that right turn lanes are needed on Mason St at Ontario Rd. Sitka at Humboldt considered as roundabout.

Coreen Kluth (3388 E Mason St) spoke against roundabouts. Procter & Gamble has many trucks per day. They have safety concerns with roundabouts and longer trucks.

Jack Gregg (Huron Rd) stated that Mason/Huron would need to be a 2-lane roundabout. There would be traffic issues during the AM and PM peak hours. Walmart wouldn’t want a roundabout.

A motion was made B. Hopp, and seconded by Ald. Nicholson to return to regular order of business.

Ald. DeWane states he spoke with Carl Weber, Director of Public Works, who is in favor of installing traffic signals at Mason/Ontario.

Ald. Nicholson spoke against roundabouts.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by B. Hopp, and carried that the request to reconsider the proposed installation of traffic signals at East Mason Street and Ontario Road by substituting a roundabout at that intersection as well as at East Mason Street and Huron Road be denied.

POSTPONED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

14. Request by Ald. Nicholson to review the history of traffic signal timing modifications at East Mason Street and Edgewood Drive.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by B. Hopp, and carried that the request to review the history of traffic signal timing modifications at East Mason Street and Edgewood Drive be received and placed on file.

15. Request by Ald. Nicholson to review the history of traffic signal timing modifications at Main Street and Manitowoc Road.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by B. Hopp, and carried that the request Nicholson to review the history of traffic signal timing modifications at Main Street and Manitowoc Road be received and placed on file.

TERMINATION OF TRIAL PERIODS

16. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the NO PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 345 feet west of Bellevue Street to Hartung Street.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the removal of the NO PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 345 feet west of Bellevue Street to Hartung Street be adopted by ordinance.

17. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the NO PARKING zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 345 feet west of Bellevue Street to Danz Avenue.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that the removal of the NO PARKING zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 345 feet west of Bellevue Street to Danz Avenue be adopted by ordinance.

18. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from Hartung Street to a point 255 feet east of Hartung Street.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that a NO PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from Hartung Street to a point 255 feet east of Hartung Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

19. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO STOPPING OR STANDING 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS BUS LOADING zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 675 feet west of Bellevue Street to a point 210 feet west of Bellevue Street.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that a NO STOPPING OR STANDING 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS BUS LOADING zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 675 feet west of Bellevue Street to a point 210 feet west of Bellevue Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

20. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING ZONE on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 210 feet west of Bellevue Street to Danz Avenue.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by B. Hopp and carried that a NO PARKING zone on the north side of Deckner Avenue from a point 210 feet west of Bellevue Street to Danz Avenue be established and adopted by ordinance.

21. That, on a 90-day trial, that DPW furnishes one (1) double-sided In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6) breakaway sign assembly to the 4K-K Early Learning Center for their installation at the west approach crosswalk of Victoria and Crooks Streets during large group school children crossing activities.

D. Hansen stated he spoke with Ald. Kocha about the trial period. The school reported to her that they like the sign, but it is a bit heavy to move. He stated that city ordinance prohibits extending 90-day trial periods. He recommended letting the trial expire. He stated he would contact the school to determine if they would like to (a) purchase the borrowed sign, or (b) purchase a lighter sign from a vendor of their choice. In the meantime, the school can continue to use DPW’s sign.

A brief discussion took place about funding a new sign.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, to expire the 90-day trial of the installation of one (1) double-sided In-Street Pedestrian Crossing (R1-6) breakaway sign assembly to the 4K-K Early Learning Center for their installation at the west approach crosswalk of Victoria and Crooks Streets during large group school children crossing activities. B. Hopp voted no. Motion carried.

There being no other items of discussion, a motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried to adjourn from the regular orders of business. The meeting ended at 7:38 P.M. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2009, in Room 310 at 5:30 P.M.