Board of Trustees
Regular MeetingDeerfield, IL · April 3, 2017
Minutes
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – Minutes of Meeting
April 3, 2017
The Village Board met as a Committee of the Whole in the Council Chambers of the
Village Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017. In attendance were:
PRESENT:
Village Board Staff
Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor Kent Street, Village Manager
Alan Farkas, Trustee Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village Manager
Thomas Jester, Trustee Barbara Little, Director of PW and Engineering
Robert Nadler, Trustee Robert Phillips, Deputy Director of Public Works
William Seiden, Trustee Brandon Janes, WRF Superintendent
Dan Shapiro, Trustee Justin Keenan, Public Works Analyst
Barbara Struthers, Trustee John Sliozis, Police Chief
Eric Burk, Finance Director
ABSENT:
None
Public Comment
There was no one present for public comment.
Discussion of Sanitary and Storm Sewer Home Inspection Program
Assistant Village Manager Lichterman presented an overview of the proposed closing
ordinance for the sanitary and storm sewer home inspection program. The program would
require homeowners to have an inspection completed to determine whether the home has
illegal plumbing connections to the sanitary and/or storm sewer prior to selling their
property. If the home is found to have a violation, repairs must be completed and bring
the property into compliance before the transfer of real estate can occur. It is estimated
that adopting the closing ordinance as contemplated will impact 300 home owners
annually and will cost in excess of $150,000 per year ($500 per home inspection).
Trustee Farkas questioned if inspections would be necessary for every homeowner and
suggested that there may be a more targeted approach rather than adopting a one size fits
all solution. He believes that this issue could be solved with public meetings that inform
residents of the options and potentially adopt a 50/50 cost share program to incent
homeowners to solve the problem before legislation is enacted Village-wide.
Trustee Nadler inquired if the Village would pay the $500 inspection fee. Mr. Lichterman
noted the intention is for the inspection cost to be a pass through similar to other Village
inspection services.
Trustee Struthers asked why she would need to pay $500 to inspect her driveway drain
when she already knows that the problem exists. Mr. Lichterman explained that this
program is intended to be tailored to the inspection of yard drains, downspouts and sump
C.O.W; April 3, 2017
pumps primarily. This would not affect driveway drains and footing tiles due to the large
cost associated with that work.
Trustee Nadler asked if it is possible to have a preapproved list of plumbers that could do
the inspections for residents who know that they will be selling their homes in the next
five years. Residents could then receive a bulk rate thereby saving them money. This
would also have the added benefit of not delaying the sale of the home. Mr. Lichterman
stated that staff has had discussions with plumbers about conducting inspections;
however, the majority of companies that were contacted preferred to do the plumbing
disconnections instead of completing the inspections on behalf of the Village.
Trustee Jester asked if Deerfield is the only community that has a closing ordinance. Mr.
Lichterman noted the program is modeled after the Lake Forest disconnection program.
Village Manager Street noted that one key difference is that Lake Forest has a real-estate
transfer tax that helps them ensure compliance with the program prior to a real estate
transfer.
Mayor Rosenthal stated she preferred a targeted approach, which was one of the
alternatives noted in the report. Since the northwest & northeast quadrants have the
largest number of homes with illegal connections, instead of being punitive, she believed
that the Village could be helpful and let the residents know in advance that the Village
intended to send licensed plumbers to inspect their homes. If their homes are found to be
noncompliant, the homeowner will have a certain number of days to correct this issue. It
seems to her to be an easier idea that accomplishes what the Village wants to achieve. It
also allows the Village to complete the project quadrant by quadrant. If residents do not
fix the problem during the set timeframe, they will not be allowed to sell their home until
the work is completed.
Trustee Shapiro mentioned the Village could use a carrot and stick approach. The Village
could offer a 50/50 program if they comply in 90 days as the carrot. As the stick, he is not
sure if the Village has the authority to enforce the closing ordinance without the same
type of authority as Lake Forest. Trustees Nadler and Jester noted they would not be in
favor of a 50/50 cost share.
Village Attorney Coblentz believes that while Lake Forest has a real-estate transfer tax
that is tied to their disconnection program the Village of Deerfield’s proposed closing
ordinance could be tied into the sale of homes as part of the Village’s home rule
authority.
Trustee Seiden believes that the Board should adopt the closing ordinance and the Village
could offer some incentive to help expedite the program’s 20 year timeline, which would
save the Village money in the long-term by having the illegal connections removed
sooner.
Trustee Farkas asked if there is any direct benefit to the homeowner to resolve an illegal
connection. Mr. Lichterman noted there is not, otherwise homeowners likely would have
already taken that action. Director of Public Works and Engineering Barb Little
responded that some systems have a diverter valve installed that allows the resident to
C.O.W; April 3, 2017
direct water to either the storm sewer or sanitary sewer; however, this would still be an
illegal setup.
Trustee Jester discussed his concern with the lack of a comprehensive report that ties all
the information from the Strand and RJN reports. Additionally, he would like to see a
report that shows the total impact of I/I on the treatment plant and how much the
overflow of water during a storm costs the Village. Since this is a Village-wide issue,
staff should not just focus on the northern quadrants. The southern quadrants, while not
as significant, also have serious I/I issues. He believes that the closing ordinance is the
next step and the Village is going in the right direction. However, the Village should not
lose sight of the main goal of substantially decreasing I/I and ensuring that the WRF is
operating as designed.
Mayor Rosenthal mentioned that implementing this type of inspection program in-house
will be a difficult process especially when compared to the water meter replacement
program. She believes that the Village could subsidize the home inspection if residents
agree to have the inspection done within a specified period. This could save the Village
money long term by increasing the number of homes that become compliant thereby
decreasing the costs associated with treating I/I. Mayor Rosenthal also noted that the
Village does not have adequate resources to do hundreds of inspections a year. Therefore,
she suggested the Village pursue a one or two year pilot program to bring residents into
compliance before a closing ordinance is adopted.
Deputy Director of Public Works and Engineering Bob Phillips informed the group that
the next EPA permit is coming up in the next few years that could require that the Village
decommission the overflow pump stations. At the very least, the EPA will require that the
Village show progress in decreasing sewer overflows during storm events.
Trustee Shapiro believes that it is important to let residents know what the incentive is if
the Village offers a pilot program. He recommends that staff create a program with clear
incentives on why residents should bring their properties into compliance now.
Trustees Farkas and Jester expressed their support for a two year pilot program and
emphasized the need to include a benchmark so that the success of the pilot program
could be evaluated in two years. Trustee Farkas suggested that staff hold educational
meetings with plumbers and then allow private plumbers to conduct inspections and
submit letters of verification to the Village.
Trustee Nadler believes that the majority of the Board is in favor of educating residents
of the program requirements and implementing the program with a multi-year deadline.
However, he also expressed his concern regarding the authority the Village would have
after that set time period was up to force the remaining residents to comply. Village
Attorney Coblentz reinforced the notion that since a Village Ordinance would ban illegal
connections, residents could be fined or face other consequences.
Mr. Lichterman reiterated that village staff could handle a small number of inspections
throughout the year. However, it would be very difficult when large numbers were
required within a short time frame. He noted that staff was hesitant to allow private
C.O.W; April 3, 2017
plumbers to complete inspections for residents but would be comfortable establishing
guidelines to allow this to occur if it is the direction of the Board. Originally, staff
preferred that the Village hire a contractor to complete the work on our behalf. Trustee
Nadler and Struthers noted that allowing privately hired licensed plumbers to complete
the inspection would make it easier for residents to comply. Trustee Struthers noted this
is similar to how the Village treats inspections for backflow prevention devices.
Mr. Street summarized that the Board prefers to educate residents on the proposed
requirements and supports allowing privately licensed plumbers to complete and verify
the work to the Village over a two-year pilot program. He noted that an updated report &
recommendation will be brought back to the Board in the near future and will include
proposed incentives and target I/I reductions levels that the Village wants to see achieved
over the period of the pilot program. If the target I/I reduction levels are not achieved by
the end of the pilot program, the Village can consider enacting a closing ordinance to
ensure that residents comply.
Trustee Farkas emphasized the need for set performance measurements that could be
relayed to the board during the pilot program. This will give the board a clear idea on
how successful the program was being over the first few years.
Discussion of Traffic Signal Operations: Lake Cook Road at Pine and at Embassy Way
This item was deferred and will be discussed at a future Committee of the Whole
meeting.
Adjournment
Trustee Farkas made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Trustee Nadler.
The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin Keenan
Public Works Analyst
Agenda
March 29, 2017
NOTICE
The undersigned, Harriet E. Rosenthal, Mayor of the Village of Deerfield, pursuant to the
provisions of Section 2-24 of the Municipal Code of the Village of Deerfield and 5 ILCS
120/2.2, does hereby call and give notice that the Mayor and Board of Trustees will meet
as a committee of the whole at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 3, 2017 in the Council
Chambers of the Village Hall, 850 Waukegan Road. An agenda for the committee of the
whole is attached to this notice.
The village clerk is hereby directed to: (1) forthwith deliver a copy of this notice to all
village trustees; (2) post a copy of this notice of said special meeting not less than 48
hours prior to said special meeting at the village hall; and (3) supply copies of this notice
to any news media which has filed an annual request for such notices.
HARRIET ROSENTHAL, Mayor
Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 3, 2017
Franz Council Chambers
6:30 p.m.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Public Comment
4. Discussion of Sanitary and Storm Sewer Home Inspection Program
5. Discussion of Traffic Signal Operations: Lake Cook Road at Pine and at Embassy
Way
6. Adjournment
Memorandum
DATE: March 20, 2017
TO: Mayor and Board of Trustees
CC: Kent Street, Village Manager
FROM: Andrew Lichterman, Assistant Village Manager
SUBJECT: Sanitary and Storm Sewer Home Inspection Program
Introduction
The Village has been diligently pursuing efforts to reduce the amount of Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) that
enters the sanitary sewer system. I/I typically occurs during wet weather events when storm water
intrudes into the sanitary sewer system through sump-pumps, downspouts, leaking sanitary services, cross
connections and cracks/joints in the sanitary sewer mainline, amongst other methods.
Over the past several years, the Village has collaborated with outside engineering firms to study, locate,
identify and reduce sources of I/I in an effort to mitigate impacts on residential properties, reduce our
environmental impact and meet IEPA regulations.
This memo will summarize findings from recent I/I studies, detail past efforts to reduce I/I, and outline
the advantages and challenges associated with implementing a sanitary and storm sewer home inspection
program.
Past Findings and Efforts
Since 2007, the Village has completed $1.8 million of investigatory work and $2 million in physical
improvements as part of the I/I reduction program. This has included a variety of mitigation efforts
including system wide flow monitoring, smoke testing, disconnections of approximately 600 private
sector source of I/I, repair of several hundred manholes, comprehensive sanitary sewer cleaning and
televising, and annual sanitary sewer point repairs and lining.
These past efforts have resulted in an estimated 3 million gallons (or 12%) of I/I being removed from the
sanitary sewer system during wet weather events. A full chronology of past I/I reduction efforts is
enclosed with this memo.
Program Goals
Goal 1: Staff suggests that the principal reason to pursue I/I reduction is to prevent the Village’s
two satellite wastewater facilities (Warwick Road and Deerfield Road Pump Stations) from
operating during wet weather events and within operational parameters of the Water Reclamation
Facility (WRF).
Why: The Village has received indications from the IEPA that in the near future these satellite
wastewater facilities will be prohibited from operating unless they undergo large-scale retrofits,
essentially turning them into smaller versions of the Village’s WRF, which is believed to be cost
prohibitive. The Village is obligated under the rules, regulations and operating permits of the
USEPA to identify and eliminate extraneous sources of drainage into the Village’s sanitary
sewage treatment system.
How: It is estimated that an additional 3 million gallons of I/I needs to be removed from the system
(primarily the northeast and northwest quadrants) in order to prevent the Warwick Road and
Deerfield Road Pump Stations from operating.
Goal 2: The reduction of I/I will marginally reduce operating costs at the WRF.
Why: During wet weather events storm water enters the sanitary sewer system causing the Village’s
WRF to unnecessarily treat storm water that otherwise would not require the disinfecting process.
How: Removing 3 million gallons of water would reduce operating costs by approximately $3,000 per
storm event.
Goal 3: The reduction of I/I will help minimize the number of properties that experience basement
flooding.
Why: The sanitary sewage and treatment system is not intended nor designed to accommodate and treat
runoff and drainage from rain water, storm water, ground water and other clear water discharges;
and, excessive I/I drainage into the sanitary sewage and treatment system can cause or contribute
to sanitary sewer backups and damage to private property. In particular, this can cause rainwater
to enter homes through basement floor drains or other plumbing fixtures connected to the sanitary
sewer system.
How: The two satellite pump stations are excess flow stations that help mitigate against basement
flooding. The Warwick Road station can hold 178,000 gallons of water before it begins to operate.
The Deerfield Road station can hold 565,000 gallons of water before it begins to operate. If 3
million gallons of I/I is removed from the system (northeast and northwest quadrants), these
facilities can continue to effectively serve as storage tanks providing relief for the Village’s sewer
system during rain events, reducing sanitary sewer backups, yet still not triggering the pump
stations to discharge wastewater into streams.
Storm Sewer Connection Sanitary Sewer Connection
Program Implementation
On previous occasions, the Village Board has discussed the concept of
implementing a closing ordinance to resolve illegal plumbing
connections at the time of a real estate transfer. It is estimated that
illegally connected sump pumps account for approximately 7.5 million
gallons (or 30%) of the remaining I/I in the system; well in excess of the
3 million gallons that needs to be removed to achieve the principal goals
noted above.
Specifically, it is proposed that a sanitary and storm sewer home
inspection program be implemented that requires illegal residential
sump pumps to be disconnected prior to permitting the transfer of
residential real estate in the Village. A case study was conducted and
staff received a proposal for $5,000 to repair an illegal combination
sump pump. The proposals for this type of work can vary greatly
depending on a number of factors including if the basement is finished
and the ability to access the home’s plumbing system.
Illegal combination sump pump setup;
servicing sanitary and storm water.
2 Estimated repair: $5,000
Staff offers the following key program concepts to be included in the implementation and enforcement of
the sanitary and storm sewer home inspection program:
Key Program Concepts
For single or two-family dwellings, property owners must obtain an inspection of the premises to
verify there are no violations related to sanitary sewer or storm water connections.
The property owner must obtain the sanitary and storm sewer inspection before a final water bill
reading will be conducted.
In the event that any inspection reveals a violation relating to sanitary sewer or water service
connections, the Village will issue a written “Notice of Violation” within 5 days of the inspection.
Upon correction of any such violation, the property owner shall request a re-inspection of the
premises’ sanitary sewer or water service connection for the purposes of obtaining a Certificate of
Compliance.
A Certificate of Compliance is issued to the seller to verify the absence of any unpermitted
drainage connections, before a seller can cause title to the property to be transferred in a real estate
transaction.
The final water bill must be paid prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance.
The fee for such inspection and re-inspection shall be established by the Corporate Authorities
from time-to-time.
The Village may waive the need for an inspection if the premises has received a Certificate of
Compliance within three years prior to a request for a final water bill.
In summary, the program will require that homeowners pay their final water bill and have their sanitary
sewer and water service connections inspected and brought into compliance before single and two-family
dwellings in the Village can be transferred to a new owner.
Resources and Challenges
While the program offers many advantages to help the Village achieve their I/I reduction goals, it also
presents implementation challenges.
Transaction History
The Village regularly experiences 300 residential real estate transfers annually; however, these closings
are not spread evenly throughout the calendar year. Typically, there are one to two dozen real estate
transfers during each of the fall/winter months, and three to four dozen real estate transfers during each of
the spring/summer months. Given the volume of real estate transfers and the condensed number of closing
in the months of April – September, staff does not have sufficient personnel to meet the anticipated
demand for inspection services.
Contracting for Inspection Services
Based on preliminary proposals, it is estimated that contracting for 300 sanitary and storm sewer
inspections would cost in excess of $150,000 annually.
Staff contacted a limited number of engineering firms and plumbers to assess the market rate for
providing such a service. Surprisingly, staff had a difficult time finding engineering firms and plumbers
that were willing to conduct such inspections. However, staff did receive a proposal from an engineering
firm that quoted an inspection rate of $500 (visual only) per property and $600 per property when dye-
3
testing is required. The quote includes the engineering firm allocating three inspectors for this purpose
and coordinating all inspection schedules. Additional proposals will be solicited if this option is pursued.
Alternatively, the Village could further explore the feasibility of completing sanitary and storm sewer
inspection services in-house but, at a minimum, one additional staff person would be required to meet the
demands of the program.
Recordings
Staff is coordinating with the Lake County Recorder of Deeds to ensure they can accommodate the
Village’s program and preclude title transfers from occurring in the Village if sellers fail to provide a
copy of the Village’s Certificate of Compliance. The County Recorder’s Office customarily relies on
local transfer stamps to verify that all local laws and regulations have been met prior to recording real
estate transactions. The absence of the Village’s own real estate transfer tax requires a new mechanism
for the County to integrate into their system when verifying local compliance prior to the transfer of real
estate. Program logistics would require further investigation with both the County Recorder’s and County
Clerk’s Offices.
Engineering Concerns
Additional engineering impacts should be considered as I/I drainage is diverted and more clear water is
connected directly to the storm sewer system or discharged overland. Numerous new direct connections
to the Village’s storm sewer system could cause capacity issues and other unknown negative externalities.
Similar consideration should be given to overland flow discharges as these could increase likelihood of
neighborhood drainage issues, extended sitting/pooling of water, and obstructions to sidewalks and other
public or private property.
Alternatives
Inspection Areas
In lieu of or in addition to the sanitary and storm sewer home inspection program, the Village could
establish “Inspection Areas” whereby the Village proactively inspects and verifies compliance of sanitary
and water service connections in these designated areas regardless of whether or not the property is being
transferred. If no violations were found, the Village would issue a Certificate of Compliance with no
expiration date. Based on data from past I/I studies, staff could reasonably identify areas that are most
likely to have illegal sump pump connections.
Cost Share
Given that approximately 4-5% of the Village’s housing stock is turned over each year, it is estimated that
the proposed sanitary and storm sewer home inspection program would take 20-25 years to complete. As
a means of accelerating the program, the Village may wish to offer a 50/50 cost share during the first two
years of the program. Some residents may be incentivized to take advantage of the program and volunteer
to have their home’s sanitary and sewer connections inspected during the limited time that a cost share is
offered.
Public Improvements Only
It is estimated that if the Village continues to pursue public improvements as previously outlined in I/I
engineering reports and proposed capital improvement plans, it would cost approximately $4.5 million to
remove 3.5 million gallons (or 14%) of I/I from the sanitary sewer system. This work includes repairing
manholes, leaking mainline sewers and defective sewer cross connections. Thus, by pursuing the
proposed public improvements only, over 3 million gallons of I/I would be removed and the goals
4
outlined above, notably the need to stop operating the Warwick Road and Deerfield Road Pump Stations,
would be achieved.
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Village continue to pursue the reduction of I/I so that the Village’s two satellite
pump stations will no longer discharge into streams, residential basement flooding is mitigated and the
WRF operates more efficiently. Staff believes that 3 million gallons of I/I needs to be removed (northeast
and northwest quadrants) and has offered a sanitary and storm sewer home inspection program along with
alternatives to achieve this goal. Should the Board choose to pursue the sanitary and storm sewer home
inspection program, some level of resources will be requested to implement the program. Additionally, if
the Board directs staff to pursue the program staff will reach out to the local area Realtors (North-Shore
Barrington Association of Realtors) and notify them of the program’s consideration and solicit their
feedback in advance of a First Reading of an ordinance. Lastly, if the program is pursued, staff will meet
with Lake County to refine the logistics related to recording deeds in compliance with the program rules
and regulations.
Conclusion
The Village is obligated under the rules, regulations and operating permits of the USEPA to identify and
eliminate extraneous sources of drainage into the Village’s sanitary sewage treatment system. The Village
has been diligently pursuing efforts to reduce the amount of Inflow and Infiltration (I/I) that enters the
sanitary sewer system in order to comply with environmental regulations.
A significant portion (30%) of I/I is attributed to illegal private sanitary and storm sewer connections. The
cost-benefit associated with pursuing a private disconnection program are complex and vary based on
the different alternatives selected by the Board. Assistant Manager Lichterman and Public Works and
Engineering Director Little and Deputy Director Phillips will be available at the April 3 Committee of the
Whole meeting to review the proposal and answer questions.
5
INFLOW AND INFILTRATION CHRONOLOGY
Year Project Contract Value Project Description
Flow Monitoring 21 meters Village‐wide
2007 DEERFIELD 2007 FLOW MONITORING $101,963
and Bannockburn
2008 DEERFIELD 2008 FLOW MONITORING $9,944 Oxford and Margate Area Analysis
2009 DEERFIELD‐INFLOW/INFIL.REDUCTION PROGRAM $187,582 Smoke testing/manholes Northeast quadrant,
GIS map updates, Detailed sewer ordinance review and recommendations
2010 DEERFIELD‐ WILLIAMS/CHESTNUT STORM $7,030 Storm sewer modeling
Northwest quadrant smoke testing and manholes
2011/12 DEERFIELD 2011 INFLOW/INFILTRATION $207,880 Northeast targeted building inspection, GIS map updates
Flow Balance
Southeast quadrant smoke testing
DEERFIELD INFLOW/INFILTRATION REDUCTION $115,003 Northwest quadrant targeted building inspection
2013
East Side Interceptor modeling, Flow Balance
SEWER TELEVISE REDZONE $114,000 Televise sewers (payment 1 of 5)
3 Basins SW Quadrant and Highland Park smoke testing
410 homes private sector disconnection program
DEERFIELD INFLOW/INFILTRATION REDUCTION $130,365 Dye flood set‐ups, GIS map updates, Flow Balance
2014 Red Zone data analysis
SEWER TELEVISE REDZONE $114,000 Deferred payment for sewer televising under RedZone (payment 2 of 5)
Southwest quadrant smoke testing and manhole inspections. Assistance with private sector
DEERFIELD INFLOW/INFILTRATION REDUCTION $216,795
2015 disconnection program, Dye flooding, GIS map updates, RedZone data Analysis.
SEWER TELEVISE REDZONE $114,000 Deferred payment for sewer televising under RedZone (payment 3 of 5)
DEERFIELD INFLOW/INFILTRATION REDUCTION $39,605 Private sector disconnect program. RedZone data analysis
SEWER TELEVISE REDZONE $114,000
2016 Deferred payment for sewer televising under RedZone (payment 4 of 5)
SEWER TELEVISE VISU‐SEWER $350,000
Cleaning and televising incomplete sewers for ICOM3
DEERFIELD INFLOW/INFILTRATION REDUCTION $750,000 Sanitary Sewer lining and manhole repairs
2017
SEWER TELEVISE REDZONE $114,000
Deferred payment for sewer televising under RedZone (payment 5 of 5)
Memorandum
Public Works & Engineering Department
To: Kent Street cc: Barbara Little, P.E.
Village Manager
From: Robert Phillips, P.E.
Deputy Director of Public Works and Engineering
Date: March 14, 2017
Subject: Traffic Signal Operations
Lake Cook Road at Pine Street
Lake Cook Road at Embassy Way(formerly Heuhl Road) and Birchwood Avenue
Background:
In September of 1986 the Village Board approved a recommendation to limit turning movements at the
intersections of Lake Cook Road at Pine Street and Lake Cook Road at Birchwood Avenue/Embassy
Way (formerly Heuhl Road)-See attached Ordinance. The ordinance was designed to prohibit traffic
from making a through movement at either intersection in the northbound or southbound directions.
Essentially, only allowing vehicles to make a right turn or left turn movement from the side streets onto
Lake Cook Road.
At the time the ordinance was enacted, the intersection of Lake Cook Road at Embassy Way was under
stop sign control. It should be further noted that this intersection was a “two way stop”, whereas Lake
Cook Road was not required to stop. Since there are few gaps in traffic it would be difficult to exit the
side street and cross a five lane highway under stop sign control. Therefore, for safety purposes the
through movement prohibition was likely warranted at the time.
The traffic signal at Pine Street was either already installed or was pending installation when the
ordinance went into effect. Therefore, it is assumed that the impetus for the through movement
prohibition was related to the potential for increased neighborhood cut though traffic resulting from a
new development on the south side of Lake Cook Road. At the time, access to the Illinois Tollway was
limited, and neither the Pfingsten Road extension nor the Lake Cook Road RR grade separation were in
place. Therefore, it is logical to believe that traffic would cut through the neighborhood to access the
Illinois Tollway (Deerfield Road interchange), eastbound Deerfield Road, or to avoid traffic delays on
Lake Cook Road.
Intersection Characteristics:
Pine Street:
Prior to the reconstruction of Lake Cook Road, 2012, the intersection had regulatory signs and pavement
markings to identify the through movement prohibition as required by the 1986 ordinance. The south
leg also had a physical barrier (porkchop island) as an impediment to through traffic. Upon completion
of the highway improvement the County would no longer support regulatory signs or the physical
barrier within their ROW. Therefore, the “pork-chop” island, regulatory (through movement
prohibition) signs, and pavement marking were removed by the CCHD. Later, the Village installed the
proper striping, outside of the County ROW, that would indicate a “left turn only” and “through-right”
as possible movements. Though the ordinance prohibiting the through movement remains in place,
staff feels that clear pavement markings that indicate the available movements are necessary.
Currently, the intersection can accommodate all eight traffic phases, meaning that the geometrics
support left turning and through movements on all four legs. Though the centerlines of the north leg and
south leg of the intersection do not line up directly (are slightly offset), making the northbound through
movement somewhat awkward, it does not appear to be problematic. The traffic signal does not
currently have exclusive left turn movements for north and south legs of the intersection but could likely
be modified by the Village, under permit with Cook County, to accommodate the left turn phasing.
The lack of left turn phasing for the north and south legs of the intersection appears to cause motorists to
hesitate when entering Lake Cook Road. This is likely due to the uncertainty of the next move of
opposing traffic, through or right turn. The uncertainty may be causing side street traffic movements to
be less efficient. A review of accident data between 2014 and 2017 identified 41 vehicular accidents at
this location, none of which can be attributable to the north-south through movement. Therefore, any
improvements completed by the Village at this intersection are strictly for the purpose of improving
capacity, rather than safety.
Birchwood Avenue/Embassy Way (formerly Heuhl Road):
The intersection of Lake Cook Road and Birchwood Avenue/Embassy Way was originally designed as a
two way stop, stopping side street traffic. In 2008 the Illinois Tollway implemented a widening project .
The project impacted the overpass bridge and the intersection of Lake Cook Road at Wilmot Road
(reconstructed as part of the Tollway’s efforts). At that time the Cook County Department of
Transportation and Highways installed a temporary traffic signal at the Birchwood Avenue/Embassy
Way intersection to assist traffic exiting the business park during construction of the Illinois Tollway
widening project.
The temporary traffic signal remained in place until 2010. At that time the County implemented a
project on Lake Cook Road that included construction of permanent traffic signals at this intersection.
The geometrics at this intersection do not currently support exclusive left turn phasing for the north and
south legs. To provide the left turn phasing the Village would need to acquire property for the
construction of left turn lanes and reconstruct the traffic signal, a process that would need to be approved
by the County.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
The intersection of Lake Cook Road at Pine Street will accommodate all eight traffic phases, through
traffic and left turn movements on all four legs. The operation of the current traffic signal is somewhat
confusing, leading to undesirable traffic delays. The traffic pattern no longer appears to warrant a
prohibition of through traffic. Traffic data does not exhibit an accident problem stemming from north-
south through traffic. Staff recommends that the ordinance prohibiting through traffic be rescinded.
Staff further requests to be given the authority to pursue the addition of left turn phasing for the north
and south legs of the intersection, through the Cook County permit process.
The intersection of Lake Cook Road at Birchwood Avenue/Embassy Way appears to be operating fairly
well. The geometrics of the intersection will not permit left turn phasing for the north and south legs
without land acquisition and the complete reconstruction of the current traffic signal. Staff requests that
the ordinance for the through traffic prohibition be rescinded and the traffic signal be allowed to remain
as-is.