MINUTES

TRAFFIC COMMISSION

Monday, May 3, 2010

City Hall, Room 310

5:30 pm

MEMBERS PRESENT: Lieutenant Brad Florence, Vice Chair Matt Kuepers, Charles Karow, Alderman Andy Nicholson, Mark Schuster

MEMBERS ABSENT: Chairperson Brad Hopp (excused), Bryan Lipke (excused)

OTHERS PRESENT: Alderwoman Amy Kocha, Recording Secretary and Traffic Engineer Dave Hansen

GENERAL BUSINESS

1. Approval of the modified minutes from the March 22, 2010 Traffic Commission meeting.

Dave Hansen, City Traffic Engineer, stated that the minutes indicated that Ald. Nicholson was absent from the meeting when indeed he was present. Minutes were corrected.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded Lt. Florence, and carried to approve the modified minutes from the March 22, 2010 Traffic Commission meeting.

INITIAL REQUESTS

2. Request by Ald. Wiezbiskie, on behalf of a constituent, to establish a 1-WAY STOP condition on Classic Drive at Davies Avenue.

D. Hansen stated that Classic Dr tees into Davies Ave. The intersection currently has no YIELD or STOP signs. Davies Ave functions as a neighborhood collector, connecting Durham Rd and Nicolet Ave. There is a hill to the left and curve to the right for motorists looking to turn onto Davies Ave. He recommended installing a YIELD sign on Classic Dr at Davies Ave.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that, on a 90-day trial, to establish a 1-WAY YIELD condition on Classic Drive at Davies Avenue.

3. Request by Ald. Nicholson for a traffic study to determine the need for a 4-WAY STOP condition at Alpine Drive and Van Beek Road.

D. Hansen stated that no crashes occurred at the intersection as far back as the crash database goes (2005). Traffic volumes are relatively light in this part of the neighborhood, especially east and south of the intersection (map shown). It is unlikely that a 4-WAY stop is needed at this intersection. He questioned why the request was made. Ald. Nicholson responded that speeding on Alpine Dr was the report and asked if the intersection warrants a traffic study. D. Hansen stated that the City has a neighborhood traffic calming policy that addresses speeding issues. He recommended against STOP sign installation for speed reduction purposes. He didn’t see the need to study this intersection.

M. Kuepers asked if speed enforcement could take place. Ald. Nicholson clarified that the speeding report was during early morning weekdays. Lt. Florence stated he could assign an officer to enforce speed on Alpine Dr.

A motion was made by Lt Florence, seconded by Ald. Nicholson, and carried that the request for a traffic study to determine the need for a 4-WAY STOP condition at Alpine Drive and Van Beek Road be referred to the Police Department for speed enforcement along Alpine Drive near Van Beek Road.

4. Request by Brooke VanEss (815 South Clay Street) to install a DEAF CHILD AREA sign near her residence.

D. Hansen stated that if said signs are installed that DPW contacts each requestor every 2 years to determine if signs are still needed, and removes them if the condition prompting the request ceases.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried to install a DEAF CHILD AREA sign near 815 South Clay Street.

5. Request by Ald. Theisen to consider establishing parking restrictions on the 700 block of South Madison Street.

D. Hansen stated that the request is for a 4-HOUR zone on the west side of Madison St from Lawe St to Spring St (about 140 feet in length). Blocks of 2-HOUR zones exist both north and south of the requested location. Since a 4-HOUR zone would likely work near this location, the nearby 2-HOUR zones should be converted to 4-HOUR zones for consistency and enforcement reasons. He said Ald. Theisen would consider changing those 2-HOUR zones to 4-HOUR zones but wanted time to look into it more.

A discussion took place about:

· Postponing the request because of the impacts to nearby parking zones

· Overlapping of 90-day trials if this request is approved tonight presuming Ald. Theisen requests 4-HOUR parking north and south of the 700 block in the future

A motion was made by Lt. Florence, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that the request to consider establishing parking restrictions on the 700 block of South Madison Street be received and placed on file since it is anticipated that Ald. Theisen will place a new request for 4-HOUR parking to encompass a larger area.

6. Request by Ald. Kocha to consider total elimination of the flashing stop lights at the intersection of Deckner Avenue and Main Street.

D. Hansen stated that the Pioneer Credit Union sign in the southeast corner of the intersection has reduced sight distance for westbound motorists looking south and that is the reason for this request. He stated that there are some options to improve the situation.

1. The signal could operate all the time, or in other words, it would not flash yellow-red. Although doing so could reduce collisions between westbound and northbound vehicles, it adds significant wait time during times of light traffic.

2. Reduce the number of hours that the signal operates in nighttime flash mode.

3. The signal could be upgraded to a “smart” signal while reducing or eliminating the nighttime flash operations, meaning adding vehicle detection and updating the controller so that during off-peak travel time, delay is reduced and westbound traffic safety is improved during all hours. Currently, the Main/Deckner traffic signal is pre-timed, meaning it does not respond to variations in traffic volumes. Pretimed operations through the entire night are not very efficient and create undue delay to motorists and can lead to motorist disrespect for the signal.

A discussion took place about adding this location to the 5-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).

Ald. Kocha stated that adding this location to the CIP would help, but something needs to be done to address the situation now such as bringing the signal out of nighttime flash at 5:30 AM and going into nighttime flash at 10 PM.

D. Hansen summarized the nighttime flash schedule. A discussion took place about the existing nighttime flash times.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that:

A. The Traffic Engineer evaluates the existing nighttime flashing operation at Main Street and Deckner Avenue and adjusts accordingly.

B. To include Main/Deckner traffic signal detection and controller upgrades in the Public Works 5-year Capital Improvement Program.

7. Request by Ald. Kocha to address a visibility complaint at Walnut and Roosevelt Streets.

D. Hansen stated that there was a sandwich board type sign that was obstructing motorists looking west when facing north. That sign was chained to a business ID sign. On a field visit, the sandwich board sign was moved and visibility was improved. There was a bush on private property that should be cut back to improve visibility.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the request to address a visibility complaint at Walnut and Roosevelt Streets be referred to the Inspections Department to order the property owner on the southwest corner of Walnut Street and Roosevelt Street to trim back the vision-obstructing hedges.

8. Request by Ald. Kocha to install a NO TRUCKS sign heading into Village Street from Deckner Avenue.

D. Hansen showed a map of the area and stated that the report was that various type trucks were traveling along Village St, which is a short residential street connecting Deckner Ave and Mills St. He presumed trucks may be using Village St as a shortcut to a construction site on Berger St. Trucks should not be traveling on Village St.

A discussion took place about contacting local businesses to advise of avoiding Village St. No specific company was noted of violating the truck route ordinance.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by C. Karow, and carried to install a NO TRUCKS sign on northbound Village Street at Deckner Avenue.

9. Request by Ald. Kocha to address the complaint that traffic signals go into nighttime flash too early for safe travel at Mason/Abrams, Main/Newberry, and Henry/Deckner.

Ald. Kocha stated that the early nighttime flash was making it difficult for a motorist from Abrams St to enter safely onto E Mason St. There was a discrepancy between the report details (signal flashing at 7 or 8 PM) and the programmed flash time at Mason/Abrams (11 PM to 6 AM). Both Ald. Kocha and D. Hansen stated they would follow up on the accuracy of their information. D. Hansen stated that updated 24-hour traffic counts would need to be collected to determine if the nighttime flash schedule should be adjusted. A brief discussion took place about the existing nighttime flash schedules at the other locations.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried that the request to address the complaint that traffic signals go into nighttime flash too early for safe travel at Mason/Abrams, Main/Newberry, and Henry/Deckner be referred to DPW staff for study.

10. Request by Ald. Kocha to address the complaint of frequent failures to stop on Oakdale Avenue at Huth Street South.

Ald. Kocha asked this item be held over to the next meeting.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that the request to address the complaint of frequent failures to stop on Oakdale Avenue at Huth Street South be postponed until the May 24, 2010 Traffic Commission meeting.

11. Request by Kavarna (141 North Broadway) to establish a 15-MINUTE 7 AM TO 7 PM parking zone on the west side of Broadway in the vicinity of their business.

D. Hansen stated that Kavarna is relocating to the referenced address. They have a 15-MINUTE zone in front of their former location and would like to re-establish one at their new location. He stated that the existing 15-MINUTE zone should remain since a new restaurant is moving to the former Kavarna location.

A motion was made by C. Karow, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that, on a 90-day trial, to:

A. To remove the existing 2-HOUR 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY parking zone on west side of Broadway from a point 110 feet south of Hubbard Street to a point 280 feet north of Walnut Street.

B. To establish a 15-MINUTE 7 AM TO 7 PM parking zone on west side of Broadway from a point 220 feet south of Hubbard Street to a point 264 feet south of Hubbard Street.

C. To establish a 2-HOUR 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY parking zone on west side of Broadway from a point 110 feet south of Hubbard Street to a point 220 feet south of Hubbard Street.

D. To establish a 2-HOUR 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY parking zone on west side of Broadway from a point 264 feet south of Hubbard Street to a point 280 feet north of Walnut Street.

12. Request by Ald. Deneys to add a northbound left-turn arrow to the traffic signal on Taylor Street at Larsen Road.

D. Hansen stated that this same request was made in February by Ald. Wery on behalf of a constituent. D. Hansen made the same recommendation and received agreement from Ald. Deneys that the recommendation was acceptable.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried that the request to add a northbound left-turn arrow to the traffic signal on Taylor Street at Larsen Road be received and placed on file because the northbound stop bar vehicle sensor, which will provide more green time for Taylor Street left-turning vehicles, will be repaired in the 2010 construction season.

13. Request by Ald. Vander Leest to allow ten (10) overnight parking requests per year.

D. Hansen stated that the Improvement and Service Committee handles Parking Division policy requests.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the request to allow ten (10) overnight parking requests per year be referred to the Improvement and Service Committee.

POSTPONED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING

14. Request by Ald. Deneys, on behalf of the South Fisk Street neighbors, to change the traffic control signals at Fisk Street and Western Avenue from a 4-WAY STOP condition (red-red flash) to normal signal operations (green-yellow-red) for the duration of the Military Avenue reconstruction project.

D. Hansen stated that he updated the Fisk/Mason and Fisk/Shawano signal timings to accommodate the traffic re-routing from the Military Ave reconstruction corridor. Since then, traffic conditions at Fisk/Western have improved and residents have stopped reporting traffic issues at the intersection. During a phone conversation D. Hansen asked Ald. Deneys if he’s received calls about the intersection since the last time this was discussed and he responded no. D. Hansen stated that DPW continues to monitor this and other nearby intersections due to impacts from the Military Ave reconstruction project.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried that the request to change the traffic control signals at Fisk Street and Western Avenue from a 4-WAY STOP condition (red-red flash) to normal signal operations (green-yellow-red) for the duration of the Military Avenue reconstruction project be received and placed on file.

15. Request by Ald. Vander Leest to conduct a parking and traffic study of Saint Agnes Drive near Pilgrim Lutheran School.  

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried that the request to conduct a parking and traffic study of Saint Agnes Drive near Pilgrim Lutheran School be received and placed on file.

16. Request by Ald. Kocha to address ongoing speeding concerns on Morrow Street near Forest Street (Motion to conduct an intersection control study at Morrow and Forest Streets and to review the feasibility of allowing on-street parking to one or both sides of the 1500 block of Morrow Street around the curve.)

Ald. Kocha asked for the item to be received and placed on file.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that the request to address ongoing speeding concerns on Morrow Street near Forest Street be received and placed on file.

17. Request by Ald. Weber to place flashing yellow warning lights at the crosswalks by Southwest High School during times when students are out of school for noon, start, and after school (Motion to postpone so that DPW can seek Federal and State Interim Approval to install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) and estimate costs to furnish and install RRFBs.)

D. Hansen stated that the County is not actively seeking interim approval to install RRFBs on their roads. Cost estimate to install RRFBs is about $6500 to $8500 per crosswalk.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that the request to place flashing yellow warning lights at the crosswalks by Southwest High School during times when students are out of school for noon, start, and after school be received and placed on file.

D. Hansen stated that the City received FHWA interim approval to install RRFBs anywhere in the City.

REFFERED BACK FROM COUNCIL

18. That the request to remove the NO PARKING restriction on the south side of the 600 and 700 blocks of Lawe Street be denied.

D. Hansen stated that the primary reasons the request was initially denied was that Lawe St is not wide enough to maintain 2-way traffic with parking on both sides and would be too narrow for a fire truck to safely pass.

A motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by C. Karow, and carried that the request to remove the NO PARKING restriction on the south side of the 600 and 700 blocks of Lawe Street be received and placed on file.

19. That the request to address the possible need for YIELD or STOP signs on Saint Clair Street at North Irwin Avenue be received and placed on file.

D. Hansen clarified that Irwin Ave stops for Clair St. He mentioned that he recommended Ald. Kocha to consider this request for the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. He stated that a 4-WAY STOP at the intersection is unnecessary.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the request to address the possible need for YIELD or STOP signs on Saint Clair Street at North Irwin Avenue be received and placed on file.

20. That the request to establish a NO PARKING zone on the north side of Seventh Street across from the day care center (1649 Seventh Street) be denied.

D. Hansen recapped last meeting’s discussion on this item.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the request to establish a NO PARKING zone on the north side of Seventh Street across from the day care center (1649 Seventh Street) be received and placed on file.

REFFERED BACK FROM STUDY

21. Request by Ald. Weber for a traffic study to determine what measures can be implemented to calm traffic on West Point Road and what can be done to help with compliance of the STOP sign on LaCount Road at West Point Road. (Motion to evaluate the West Point Road and LaCount Road intersection for adequate STOP sign condition and placement and adjust as needed; and to conduct a speed study along West Point Road near LaCount Road.)

D. Hansen stated that he evaluated the intersection for proper sign placement. He ordered tree trimming to improve visibility of the southbound STOP sign, which recently was completed. No other sign improvements were recommended. Speed data has been collected but not summarized yet.

That the request for a traffic study to determine what measures can be implemented to calm traffic on West Point Road and what can be done to help with compliance of the STOP sign on LaCount Road at West Point Road be postponed until the May 24, 2010 Traffic Commission meeting.

TERMINATION OF TRIAL PERIODS

22. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the 3-HOUR 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on both sides of Grignon Street from Monroe Avenue to Jackson Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the 3-HOUR 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on both sides of Grignon Street from Monroe Avenue to Jackson Street be removed and adopted by ordinance.

23. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a 4-HOUR 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on both sides of Grignon Street from Monroe Avenue to Jackson Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a 4-HOUR 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on both sides of Grignon Street from Monroe Avenue to Jackson Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

24. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the 3-HOUR PARKING zone on the east side of Irwin Avenue from a point 70 feet south of Mason Street to a point 410 feet south of Mason Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the 3-HOUR PARKING zone on the east side of Irwin Avenue from a point 70 feet south of Mason Street to a point 410 feet south of Mason Street be rescinded.

25. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a 4-HOUR PARKING zone on the east side of Irwin Avenue from a point 70 feet south of Mason Street to a point 410 feet south of Mason Street.

A brief discussion took place that the 4-HOUR zone did not work well and that the surrounding businesses, church, and Ald. Theisen wanted to change it to 2-HOUR PARKING. D. Hansen had no issues with the zone change.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a 2-HOUR PARKING zone on the east side of Irwin Avenue from a point 70 feet south of Mason Street to a point 410 feet south of Mason Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

26. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a 1-WAY YIELD condition on Elm Street at Saint George Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a 1-WAY YIELD condition on Elm Street at Saint George Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

27. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the 2-HOUR PARKING zone on the west side of Jackson Street from Cherry Street to Chicago Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the 2-HOUR PARKING zone on the west side of Jackson Street from Cherry Street to Chicago Street be removed and adopted by ordinance.

28. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING zone on the west side of Jackson Street from a point 80 feet south of Stuart Street to Stuart Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a NO PARKING zone on the west side of Jackson Street from a point 80 feet south of Stuart Street to Stuart Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

29. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a 2-HOUR PARKING 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the west side of Jackson Street from Chicago Street to a point 80 feet south of Stuart Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a 2-HOUR PARKING 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the west side of Jackson Street from Chicago Street to a point 80 feet south of Stuart Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

30. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a 2-HOUR PARKING 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the west side of Jackson Street from Stuart Street to Cherry Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a 2-HOUR PARKING 7 AM TO 7 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the west side of Jackson Street from Stuart Street to Cherry Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

31. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the NO PARKING 7 AM TO 11 AM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on Franz Avenue from a point 990 feet west of Main Street to a point 1130 feet west of Main Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the NO PARKING 7 AM TO 11 AM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on Franz Avenue from a point 990 feet west of Main Street to a point 1130 feet west of Main Street be removed and adopted by ordinance.

32. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING 7AM TO 4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on Franz Avenue from a point 990 feet west of Main Street to a point 1130 feet west of Main Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a NO PARKING 7AM TO 4PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on Franz Avenue from a point 990 feet west of Main Street to a point 1130 feet west of Main Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

33. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the SCHOOL BUS LOADING ONLY 8 AM TO 4 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the south side of Ninth Street from a point 340 feet west of Ridge Road to a point 200 feet west of Ridge Road.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the SCHOOL BUS LOADING ONLY 8 AM TO 4 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the south side of Ninth Street from a point 340 feet west of Ridge Road to a point 200 feet west of Ridge Road be removed and adopted by ordinance.

34. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING BUS LOADING ONLY 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the south side of Ninth Street from a point 340 feet west of Ridge Road to a point 200 feet west of Ridge Road.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a NO PARKING BUS LOADING ONLY 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the south side of Ninth Street from a point 340 feet west of Ridge Road to a point 200 feet west of Ridge Road be established and adopted by ordinance.

35. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the NO PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS zone on Ridge Road from Langlade Avenue to Ninth Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the NO PARKING DURING SCHOOL HOURS zone on Ridge Road from Langlade Avenue to Ninth Street be removed and adopted by ordinance.

36. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the SCHOOL BUS LOADING ONLY 8 AM TO 4 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the west side of Ridge Road from a point 118 feet south of Ninth Street to a point 110 feet north of Langlade Avenue.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the SCHOOL BUS LOADING ONLY 8 AM TO 4 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the west side of Ridge Road from a point 118 feet south of Ninth Street to a point 110 feet north of Langlade Avenue be removed and adopted by ordinance.

37. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING BUS LOADING ONLY 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the west side of Ridge Road from a point 118 feet south of Ninth Street to a point 110 feet north of Langlade Avenue.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a NO PARKING BUS LOADING ONLY 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the west side of Ridge Road from a point 118 feet south of Ninth Street to a point 110 feet north of Langlade Avenue be established and adopted by ordinance.

38. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO PARKING 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the east side of Ridge Road from Langlade Avenue to Ninth Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a NO PARKING 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the east side of Ridge Road from Langlade Avenue to Ninth Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

39. That, on a 90-day trial, to remove the NO PARKING 2 PM TO 8 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the east side of Schoen Street from Lilac Lane to Amy Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that the NO PARKING 2 PM TO 8 PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY zone on the east side of Schoen Street from Lilac Lane to Amy Street be removed and adopted by ordinance.

40. That, on a 90-day trial, to establish a NO STOPPING OR STANDING 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the east side of Schoen Street from Lilac Lane to Amy Street.

A motion was made by M. Schuster, seconded by Lt. Florence, and carried that a NO STOPPING OR STANDING 7 AM TO 4 PM SCHOOL DAYS zone on the east side of Schoen Street from Lilac Lane to Amy Street be established and adopted by ordinance.

There being no other items of discussion, a motion was made by Ald. Nicholson, seconded by M. Schuster, and carried to adjourn from the regular orders of business. The meeting ended at 6:35 P.M. The next Traffic Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 24, 2010, in Room 310 at 5:30 P.M.