02/05/2015 Agenda Review - Laserfiche WebLink

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AGENDA REVIEW SESSION FEBRUARY 5, 2015 22 technology. He added they would eventually hope for $200,000,000.00. He noted there are a number of sub-consultants involved in this project. - Professional Services Agreement — J.J. Umbaugh & Associates, LLP Mr. Eric IIorvath, Public Works, stated this agreement is to provide financial reports to the utilities to track revenue and expenditures in relation to utility rate increases, in order to be proactive. He noted they will set -up and provide quarterly reports that eventually City staff can prepare. Ms. Roos notes that basically what they are providing is the set -up of the process and staff training. - Traffic Calming Plan— Walnut Grove Mr. Gilot asked Mr. Eric Horvath, Public Works, to present the City's traffic calming plan for Walnut Grove. He explained to those present that in the interest of time, the Board would hear the Traffic Calming recommendation under the relevant ordinance, and then allow ten (10) minutes total input for those wishing to speak for the plan, and ten (10) minutes total for those wishing to speak against the plan. He stated there would be no vote and no arguing today, and asked those present as they give their recommendation, not to repeat what's already been said. Mr. Horvath stated the traffic calming in Walnut Cnovc is an important issue for safety and quality of life. He explained in the past the City hasn't had a formal traffic calming process but there is an attempt now to start formalizing the process with Walnut Grove, the first area to approach the City. Mr. Horvath stated the idea is to find a balance in ways to implement safety, reduce vehicular traffic, and improve the quality of life. He noted Walnut Grave is a little different with local roads, and arterials and minor arterials. He stated the balance is trying to keep all those things in harmony. He stated when the City was approached, the initial concern was the speeding. The City closed 27" St. for a temporary measure to see what the impact would be. He noted they are looking for low cost ways to achieve three (3) goals but what you are trying to do is change human behavior which isn't just an engineering process, therefore they may have to try different things to see what works. Mr. llorvath noted the City could come in and spend a lot of money to try to fix the problems, but the City doesn't have the money. He explained part of the process for traffic calming was to circulate a petition, which 167 residents signed in favor, with three ,(3) people calling in and asking to remove their names from the petition, resulting in 165 signatures. He explained the petition was all about trying to calm traffic. Subsequently the City developed a plan based on speed counts that were done indicating 85% of cars were in excess of 20 mph speed limit. He added there is a large elderly population in Walnut Grove and the homes are close to the streets. Mr. Horvath stated 27` St. is used as a cut - through at times, and once closed, the cut - through traffic moved to other areas and created problems. Mr. Horvath stated after closing 27' St., the City received fifty -two letters against the closure. He noted the reasons given were the hill on Tuxedo St., the alternate cut - through street, is icy when you come to the main arterial road; there is a sight distance problem due to the hills on Tuxedo; there are two (2) school bus stops on Tuxedo and a large number of children in the neighborhood; the left turn off of McKinley onto Tuxedo is difficult and dangerous; increased traffic makes it difficult for home owners to back out of their driveways and there are more homes on Tuxedo St.; 27a' St. is a public street, not private; and street bumps were suggested. Mr. Horvath stated the City had a number of meetings with the residents of Walnut Grove. The City's recommendation is traffic calming in a number of ways including three (3) way stops; painted crosswalks; posted speed limit; a speed hump; and solar speed indicators. He explained the closure was a temporary measure done by the City engineer that needs Board approval to continue. Mr. Gilot asked what the City budget is for traffic calming. Mr. Horvath stated they only have $50,000.00 for 2015 and they have received approximately a dozen . requests so far. Councilman Derek Dieter stated he is in favor of the traffic calming plan and asked when the three (3) way stops could be put in. Mr. Horvath stated they could be put in anytime, but the crosswalk paint would have to wait until spring. He stated it would take about a month for the opening of 27 once the stop signs are in place. Mr. Gilot asked if any residents would like to speak in favor of the traffic calming at this time. Mary Ann Piechocki of Tuxedo St. asked if the street would stay closed until the signs are up. Mr. Gilot restated the recommendation was not to open the street until the stop signs were installed Mary Waechter, of S. Holiday St. suggested they also need a three (3) way stop at Wilson St. and 26" St. Mr. Horvath stated they looked into that but they can't do that because the Ordinance requires it meet warrant on traffic control devices, and this location didn't meet the warrants. Myron Busbee of Tom Way, stated one thing happening since th street closure is people are driving across the common area and cutting over to McKinley Ave., posing another dangerous issue.