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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 2/13/2006 - Public Works Committee PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING �, Monday, February 13, 2006 Aldermen's Conference Room, 6:30 p.m. In Attendance: Committee Members: Chairman Alderman Wimmer, Alderman Murgatroyd, Alderman Glab. Absent: None. Also in Attendance: Mayor Low (amved at 6:58 p.m.), Alderman Santi (arrived at 6:34 p.m.), City Administrator M�einer(arrived at 6:35 p.m.), Assistant City Administrator Martin, Director of Public Works Marcinko, Assistant Director of Public Works F'ink, Manager of Community Relations Hobson and City Clerk Jones. Also in attendance: Dale Johnson Riverside Hollow Subdivision Sunday Johnson Riverside Hollow Subdivision Robert DiSilvestro Race Organizer, U.S.A. Cycling Heidi Mingesz U.S.A. Cycling Chairman Alderman Wimmer called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Discussion Re�arding Stoa Signs in Riverside Hollow Subdivision Assistant Director of Public Works Fink informed the Committee a request has been received from Dale Johnson, representative of the Riverside Hollow Homeowners Association, requesting installation of stop signs within the subdivision at the following locations: ♦ Eastbound Arbor Drive, at its intersection with Hemlock Drive, as a measure to control vehicular speeds; and � ♦ Northbound and Southbound Kennedy Drive, at its intersection with McCullom Lake Road, to increase safety at the bus stop on the southwest corner of the intersection. Responding to Alderman Glab's inquiry, Assistant Director Fink stated typically the developer of a subdivision provides the City with a plat indicating stop sign locations within the subdivision. Kennedy Homes, developers of the 95-lot Riverside Hollow Subdivision, did not provide this information to the City. Staff elucidated that the Manual of Urban Control Devices (MUTCD) is the standard guideline used regarding tr�c control devices on streets and highways. Assistant Director Fink stated conditions outlined in the MLTTCD support installation of stop signs on northbound and southbound Kennedy Drive at its intersection with McCullom Lake Road. Staff is supportive of the request for installation of stop signs at this location. Assistant Director Fink noted the MUTCD explains that placement of a stop sign should not be used as a method of controlling vehicula.r speeds and should be placed in a manner that minimizes the number of vehicles having to stop. Staff does not support installation of a stop sign on Arbor Drive at its intersection with Hemlock Drive. Staff is requesting the Committee consider a recommendation to Council amending Chapter 13 of the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Code allowing for the installation of stop signs on Kennedy Drive at its intersection with McCullom Lake Road. � ' Public Works Committee Meeting February 13, 2t)06 Page 2 � Alderman Glab stated stop signs throughout the subdivision should be addressed in order to be consiste�rt with the rest of the City. He opined he had no particular issues with the installation of 5top signs at either location; however, he acknowledged concerns with bus stop safety issues. Alderman Murgatroyd concurred with Alderman Glab regarding changing the location of the school bus stop for safety reasons. He acknowledged the subdivision is relatively small and had no issues regarding sign placement. Dale Johnson addressed the Committee expressing concern regarding traffic emanating from the Orchard Beach Subdivision through the Riverside Hollow Subdivision. He specifically cited residents concerns about the safety of children. Director of Public Works Marcinko suggested the topic of stop signs throughout the subdivision be revisited by Staff and City Engineers, Smith Engineering Consultants, returning ta the Committee with recommendations for discussion at a future Public Works Committee meeting. Motion by Murgatroyd, seconded by Glab, to recommend to City Council the amendment of Chapter 13 of the Motor Vehicle and Traffic Code to allow for installation of stop signs on north and southbound Kennedy Drive at its intersection with McCullom Lake Road. � Aye: Wimmer, Glab, Murgatroyd. Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Discussion Regardin� USA Cvclin�Race Manager of Community Relations Hobson announced to the Committee Mr. Robert DiSilvestro, of RDS Cycling, has approached the City with regard to hosting a bicycle race in McHenry. Mr. DiSilvestro has twenty years of experience organizing races in communities such as St. Charles, Melrose Park and Villa Park. The races are sanctioned by the United States Cycling Federation(USCF). All courses must ultimately be approved by the USCF officials. Mr. Hobson explained that the proposed race in McHenry would be a criterium-style race in which a one to two mile course is defined and participants complete a set number of laps. There would be multiple categories for age and skill levels. Each category would be run independent of the others for safety reasons. Each race would last approximately one hour. With six or eight categories the event would likely last from 8:00 am. to 4:00 pm. Events are typically held on Sunday. Mr. Hobson acknowledged it is likely the racecourse would affect a number of � neighborhoods. The start/finish line would be on Kane Avenue, in front of Edgebrook ' Public Works Committee Meeting February 13, 2006 Page 3 � Elementary Sc}iool and Duker Middle School. This area would also serve as a staging area for the race. Mr. Hobson stated the race would provide the City with an opportunity to host a unique event that could potentially attract 1,000 to 2,000 spectators and hundreds of participants to the downtown area. However, he acknowledged this type of event could have a significant impact on the residents of the area. Representatives of the Police Department reviewed information about the race. They acknowledged that while feasible, significant manpower would be required to control the numerous intersections throughout the race course. The organizers of the race would be required to pay the City an estimated $5,000 in overtime costs for police personnel. Staff believes the bicycle race provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the City of McHenry. However, a number of obstacles need to be considered, such as: ♦ There exist two churches near the race route. The proximity of the churches and the racecourse on a Sunday morning could affect travel routes. ♦ Resident access and egress could affect approximately 68 homes. Mr. Hobson stated the matter was brought before the Public Works Committee due to the impact on transportation and the neighborhoods involved. Staff is requesting the Committee �. give consideration to the request regarding this event to determine if it is something the City would have an interest in hosting. Alderman Glab suggested another location in the City for the race. He expressed concerns regarding inconveniencing residents with the all-day closure of Green Street. Mayor Low arrived at 6:58 p.m. Robert DiSilvestro addressed the Committee. Mr. DiSilvestro announced that the sport of bicycling is growing in the United States for men, women and children. He explained that a criterium race is a mass start road race run on a circuit closed to traffic, which is won in one of the following methods: ♦ Classification in the finish of the last lap; or ♦ Classification of the number of laps covered and the number of points gained during intermediate sprints. Traditionally the race is held in towns. The courses are tight and run through the streets of the town, making the race exciting for participants and onlookers. The race demands excellent handling skills due to the high speed of racing combined with the need to constantly negotiate corners. Mr. DiSilvestro requested the Committee's decision within 60-days regarding the event �, to facilitate anangements and obtaining sponsors. " Public Works Committee Meeting February 13, 2006 Page 4 � Responding to an inquiry from City Administrator M�einer, Ms. Mingesz stated there is a 15- to 20-m inute gap between the conclusion of one race and the beginning of another, providing ample opportunity for traffic to pass. Alderman Murgatroyd expressed concerns regarding traffic flow, particularly with church services on Sunday. He opined he would be willing to reserve judgment regarding the event as a whole pending logistical issues being addressed and the receipt of additional information. A discussion ensued regarding details of the race. Chairman Wimmer opined the race is a unique event. He supports hosting the event at least once, stating he encourages attracting people to the downtown area. He cited his biggest concern is Sunday services at the two churches. City Administrator M�einer requested Mr. DiSilvestro provide him with a copy of events in surrounding municipalities beginning in April. Mr. Hobson assured the Committee he would contact representatives in communities where the event has been held in the past and provide the Committee with information regarding the experience. Other Business � No other business was discussed. Adiournment Motion by Glab, seconded by Murgatroyd, to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 p.m. Aye: Wimmer, Glab,Murgatroyd. Nay: None. Absent: None. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted, �� ;���.-�.� l�,u....._..._ Richard Wimmer, Chairman �