HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/12/2014 - Public Works Committee PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
'�.. March 12,2014
City Council Chambers at the Municipal Center,6:00 p.m.
In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Blake, Alderman Santi
arrived at 6:07 pm and Alderman Wimmer arrived at 6:15 pm
Staff in Attendance: Public Works Director Schmitt, Street Superintendent Stull,
Administrative Assistant Lorch
Others in Attendance: Personnel from Illinois Department of Transportation: Kimberly
Murphy, Scott Czaplicki, Lori Brown
Personnel from STV Incorporated: John Clark, Sanjay Joshi
Chairman Alderman Blake called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
Public Comment: None
Agenda Item 1: Illinois Route 31 (Front Street)Phase 1 Engineering-Illinois Department of
Transportation Resolution of Support
Alderman Blake began the meeting by introducing Director Schmitt to the audience; he in turn introduced
his staff. STV Incorporated and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) personnel were also
introduced.
� Director Schmitt explained that the purpose of the meeting is to inform business owners and residents on
the status of the Illinois Route 31 (Front Street) project. IDOT considered suggestions and comments
received at the previous meetings to come up with one preferred plan.
Director Schmitt then introduced John Clark from STV Engineering. He spoke about the three original
alternatives and gave a brief overview of the changes made. Some of the changes were made due to City
and business owners concerns and suggestions. These changes include geometric modifications, and a
change of the Waukegan Road cul-de-sac radius for better turning movement. Signage will be posted to
restrict traffic from Main Street turning onto Route 31 for safety reasons. There will be a barrier median
installed to meet the Richmond Road improvement which is just west of the bridge. Other medians will
be installed near First National Bank, Mercy Drive, and Gary Lang Chevrolet. In order for Gary Lange to
keep full access to the business he may have to participate in the cost because this would only benefit
Gary Lang.Near Bank Drive there would be bump outs, and a painted median will be changed to a barrier
median. Modifications were also made to the west and east legs of Route 120. He said that only right
turns onto side streets would be allowed just west of the bridge. The Fountain Shop's driveway opening
will be lined up with High Street. Mr. Clark summarized that a lot of time was spent listening to the
comments from the community. The National Environmental Policy Agency (NEPA) is taking all of the
information into account and will help guide IDOT to the preferred alternative.
Mr. Clark invited everyone to look at the roll plots of the project and to ask questions if desired.
Alderman Blake reconvened the meeting at 6:45 pm.
IDOT representative said that the earliest construction would begin is in the year 2020 and will take two
years. A business owner would like to see the project done in one year and have the project done in
�- segments to lessen the affect on the businesses.
March 12, 2014 Committee Meeting
Page 2
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Alderman Blake said he doesn't think the committee is ready to approve the Resolution of Support for
this project. The Committee and city staff thinks that Gary Lang Chevrolet should continue to have full
access from Route 31 with no cost to the dealership or the City. Drainage between Anne Street and John
Street is a concern especially for the residents on Anne Street. There will be a barrier between High Street
and Park Place which will severely limit access to residents and businesses. Another concern is the
frontage at Butch's Auto Shop that will be impinged upon. All of these issues need to be addressed before
the Public Works Committee will approve the Resolution of Support. Alderman Blake asked for a motion
to table the vote for the Resolution of Support.
Motion by Alderman Wimmer, seconded by Alderman Santi, to table the vote for the Resolution of
Support for the Route 31 Improvement Project.
Voting Aye: Alderman Blake,Alderman Wimmer, Alderman Santi
Voting Nay: None
Absent:
Motion carried.
Director Schmitt replied no when Alderman Blake asked if there was any new business.
Alderman Blake stated that if there are not any more questions, he will ask for a motion to adjourn the
meeting.
Motion by Alderman Wimmer, seconded by Alderman Santi to adjourn the meeting. ''1
Meeting was adjourned at 6:55 pm.
Voting Aye: Alderman Blake,Alderman Wimmer,Alderman Santi
Voting Nay: None
Absent:
Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
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Alde a Blake, Chairman
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