Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutTRA_BOARD_MINUTES_JAN_2008O1HKOIH ox 1xE wn~ TRAFFIC REVIEW ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES JANUARY 8, 2008 PRESENT: Jim Kaprelian, Presiding; Bryan Bain, Al Hartman, Stan Kline, Gene Kubasta, Timothy Schuster and Cecil Streeter STAFF: Mark Huddleston, Transportation Director Jennifer Weigand, Recording Secretary CALL TO ORDER Chairman Kaprelian called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Kline moved to accept the December 11, 2007 minutes. Mr. Streeter seconded the motion. Unanimous by a voice vote. NEW BUSINESS 1) A CITIZEN REQUEST FOR NO PARKING ON THE EAST SIDE OF WESTFIELD STREET FROM 199 FEET SOUTH OF SKYVIEW AVENUE TO 240 FEET SOUTH OF SKYVIEW AVENUE (IN FRONT OF 210 WESTFIELD STREET). [CURRENT CONDITION: NO RESTRICTION]. Ms. Betty Schrage, 210 N. Westfield Street., Apt. # 162, explained how this entrance is used by many elderly residents of Carmel Residence for pick-up and drop-off. When the area is blocked by parked vehicles, they are concerned about their safety entering and exiting from the street. Ms. Kathryn Matschnig, 210 N. Westfield Street, Apt. # 165, uses this entrance and explained how it is so convenient for the residents living on the western end of the building. She doesn't want all the parking along the street removed on the east side, but only a space for vehicles to make a quick pick-up or drop-off. Because she is legally blind, it is imperative that she doesn't have to go into the street. Ms. Elizabeth Fenrich, Housing Services Coordinator for Carmel Residence, said the curb area is presently painted yellow but with the snow, no one sees it. With the influx of high school student parking in the area, signage is needed for visibility. Mr. Kubasta questioned if buses would use this area. Ms. Fenrich replied that buses use the circular driveway and this area is mainly used by automobiles dropping off and picking up residents. Mr. Kline moved to accept the request, Mr. Streeter seconded the motion. Motion carried (7-0). 2) A BUSINESS OWNER REQUEST TO ALLOW PARKING ON THE NORTH SIDE OF 15Tx AVENUE FROM 144 FEET EAST OF OREGON STREET TO NEBRASKA STREET. [CURRENT CONDITION: NO PARKING]. Mr. Mike Kahl, 1500 Oregon Street, explained how there are five businesses in his building, and with neighboring businesses, Phillips Tax and Accounting and Pete's Garage, parking has become limited. TRA MINUTES Page 2 January 8, 2008 Mr. Huddleston noted that one letter in opposition to this request was received. Mr. Schuster said the area in question is no different than any other residential area and the traffic volume is low. Mr. Streeter suggested possibly changing the traffic flow to one-way traffic for a few blocks. Mr. Huddleston said it is not a major issue at the moment. Mr. Kline felt there are sufficient number of driveways in the area for motorists to get in and out. Mr. Bain moved to accept the request, Mr. Kline seconded the motion. Motion carried (7-0). 3) A BUSINESS OWNER REQUEST TO EXTEND THE 35 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON WASHBURN STREET FROM WAUKAU AVENUE TO 0.3 MILES SOUTH OF WAUKAU AVENUE. [CURRENT CONDITION: 45 MPH] Mr. John Hogerty, General Counsel for Bergstrom Automotive, explained how the road narrows down from four lanes to two lanes by their property and at the same time the speed limit increases to 45 mph. Their employees are concerned with safety. Mr. Kubasta felt there was ample visibility in this area and was opposed to any change Mr. Schuster was concerned when car transports are unloading on Washburn Street. He felt 45 mph was a little excessive. With the development of the Country USA grounds further south, this would help. Mr. Kline pointed out the road crowns in the middle, which makes it difficult for motorists exiting to get up to speed. He felt this was a logical change. Mr. Kaprelian said that the Toyota dealership has tripled their business in the last year, which is generating more traffic. Also, the Outlet Mall has new owners, who have brought in new businesses and caused traffic to increase. Mr. Kline moved to accept the request, Mr. Kaprelian seconded the motion. Motion carried (6-1 Kubasta). AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING Mr. Huddleston noted there would not be a meeting in February 2008, due to his retirement and position vacancy. If someone has any concerns, please contact the Department and his staff will handle their calls. STAFF STATEMENTS Mr. Kline commended Mark for his service and everything he has done for this Board. Mr. Hartman was very impressed on how Mark has managed and balanced the competing demands of citizens. He has done it with professionalism and deserves a great deal of credit. Capt. Thaldorf said it has been great to work with Mark and she appreciates all his efforts and the way he works with everyone. TRA MINUTES Page 3 January 8, 2008 Mr. Kaprelian said citizens have said how professional Mark has conducted himself. They may not always be happy with his decisions, but they are happy with Mark's work. ADJOURNMENT There being no other business to come before the Traffic Review Advisory Board, and upon being duly moved and seconded (Kline, Streeter), the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p. m.