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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTRAB Meeting Minutes 4 12 16Committee Name: Traffic Review Advisory Board Date: 4/12/16 Location: City Hall 1 Attendees: Absent: Jim Collins, Transportation Director Gary Ross, Board Marlene Binder, Secretary Daniel Scieszinski, Board Daniel Becker, Vice-Chairman Ross Wandschneider, Board Steve Herman, Council Member Julie Kiefer, Sawyer Creek Assoc. Steve Haas, Board Topic Facilitator Discussion Actions Meeting Started Daniel Becker Daniel Becker called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm. None Meeting Minutes Daniel Becker Acceptance of March 8, 2016 TRAB meeting minutes. 1st: Gary Ross 2nd: Steve Herman A request for a yield sign at Mockingbird Way and Wellington Avenue Jim Collins Jim Collins said this request is from the Sawyer Creek Neighborhood Association. He explained the warrants for a yield sign are three or more right angle accidents in a 12 month period or 5 or more in a 2 year period, 3,000 or more vehicles per day, or a severe sight distance problem. He continued to explain that unwarranted traffic control devices minimize the effectiveness of warranted devices and since none of the warrants are met he cannot recommend installation of a yield sign at this location. However; the board has recommended unwarranted signs in the past base on special circumstances. Committee Name: Traffic Review Advisory Board Date: 4/12/16 Location: City Hall 2 Topic Facilitated by: Discussion Actions A request for a yield sign at Mockingbird Way and Wellington Avenue Continued Julie Kiefer Jim Collins Julie Kiefer, 2810 Foxtail Lane co-chair of the Sawyer Creek Neighborhood Association Steering Committee, stated this was the number 1 concern that came up. She explained that this intersection is where students cross to get to Carl Traeger School. Mr. Herman said that he felt the city needed to support the neighborhood associations when possible. Jim Collins clarified that the yield sign would be placed on Wellington Drive. 1st: Steve Herman 2nd: Gary Ross Carried: 6-0 Workshop on bike lanes with Bike and Pedestrian Committee Jim Collins There was discussion about designating bike lanes on Irving Avenue from Elmwood Avenue to Hazel Street and if New York was planned for bike lanes in addition to Irving Avenue or if that would be an alternative. Mr. Becker expressed concerns about the loss of parking during special events at Menomonie Park and questioned if parking should be removed on the north instead of the south side of the street. Mr. Hermann expressed concern about parking for the residents with shared driveways losing parking. He also had concerns about the taverns on Irving mixing with cyclists when New York is more of a residential street. He stated there should be education for the general public six months to a year before changes, such as sharrows, are implemented. Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner for the city of Oshkosh, explained there were bike rodeos held in the schools, fliers distributed at the Farmer's Market, postings on neighborhood websites, a poster displayed at City Hall and an event in May 2016 at the Senior Center to educate the public. Jim Michelson, of the Bike and Ped. Committee, said they looked at other options for a bike route that would connect the WIWOSH Trail, UW-O and Menominee Park and this was the best, most cost effective option. Committee Name: Traffic Review Advisory Board Date: 4/12/16 Location: City Hall 3 Workshop Continued Jay Stengel, of the Bike and Ped. Committee, said as a former student of UW-O he felt the campus is isolated. He continued that we could attract graduating professionals to adopt Oshkosh as their home by providing access to explore the community. Kim Biedermann, of 1624 Delaware Street and the Sustainability Advisory Board, is employed by UW-0 and says students feel safer when biking in a marked bike lane. She stated she uses her bike as transportation and bikes between 5 and 12 miles daily. Ben Rennert, of the Bike and Ped. Committee, said bike lanes are painted solid lines. He stated drivers are taught not to cross a solid painted line when they learn to drive. Adam Bellcorelli, of the Bike and Ped. Committee, explained that the Irving Avenue route is preferred over New York Avenue because it better connects with the university and the park. He pointed out that the time of day that customers patronize the taverns would generally be different than when most bikers would be present. Bob Christie, of 2382 Wisconsin Street, said his wife started biking last year. He told that they would weave through various side streets to get to Menominee Park. He supports this safer more direct bike route on Irving Avenue. The consensus was that a public meeting should be held to get input from residents living in this area. Staff Statements Jim Collins Jim Collins said he is working with the Engineering Department on some design alternatives for 9th Avenue. He explained a consultant on the central city strategic plan is studying this area as a gateway to the city and will be making recommendations. He stated the Wisconsin DOT recently reclassified 9th Avenue as a principal arterial because of the increasing vehicle counts in the area. He said a road diet would still be possible if we chose to do so. Jim Collins informed the Board that a LED no left turn signal was installed at Merritt Avenue and Main Street today, Mr. Collins stated that we are seeking another member to join this Board. Committee Name: Traffic Review Advisory Board Date: 4/12/16 Location: City Hall 4 Topic Facilitated by: Discussion Actions Future Agenda Items Steve Herman Ross Wandschneider Jim Collins Officer Mentink Steve Herman Steve Herman encouraged Board members to attend the informal public involvement meeting for the Oregon/Jackson Street bridge. Ross Wandschneider said he spoke with a 40 year resident from the 1200 block of Jackson Street. He said this person saw a speed board sign on South Park and inquired if something like this could be added on Jackson Street by New York Avenue. He added that surveys show 300 Merrill students live west of Jackson Street. Mr. Collins stated there are permanent speed board signs on 9th Avenue at Minnesota Street and on South Park Avenue at Delaware. He continued that these signs were purchased as part of a Safe Rides to School program. Officer Mentink explained portable speed boards are placed where citizens request and then moved to the next location after a week or two. He said he would make sure that Jackson Street at New York Avenue be put on the list. Steve Herman inquired about moving the stop sign on Wisconsin Street at Viola to Linwood Avenue. Jim Collins said counters will be set out soon to help evaluate the proposal. Adjournment Daniel Becker Meeting adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Next meeting: May 10, 2016 at City Hall. 1st: Steve Haas 2nd: Steve Herman