Traffic Commission Meeting

URBANA TRAFFIC COMMISSION Tuesday, January 13, 2015 MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Madigan, City Council Member, Ward 6, Chair Craig Shonkwiler, Assistant City Engineer Pat Connolly, Police Chief MEMBERS ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: John Collins, Operations Manager Jvon Howard The meeting began at 4:02 p.m. Additions to the agenda: The Commissioners approved moving Item #2 to the beginning of the discussion. There were no additions to the agenda. Approval of Minutes: Pat Connolly moved to approve the minutes of the December 9, 2014 meeting. Craig Shonkwiler seconded the motion. The Commission voted 3-0 to approve the minutes of the meeting. Public Input Those wishing to provide input preferred to do so at the time the topic was discussed. New Business Item #2- Discussion of traffic control on Mathews Avenue at Nevada Street. Jvon Howard discussed concerns about vehicular traffic on Mathews Avenue at Nevada Street. As a University of Illinois student, he noted that many vehicles travelling on Mathews Avenue at high speeds without regard to pedestrians crossing Mathews Avenue. Mr. Howard presented slides of stop here for pedestrians in crosswalk and stop signs at other locations on Mathews Avenue and asked if the Traffic Commission would consider installing a stop sign on Mathews Avenue at Nevada Street. He pointed out that there were residential and educational facilities  Traffic Commission Minutes January 2015 Page 2 located near the area that generated traffic through that intersection. He specifically mentioned that a bicycle lane along the west side of Mathews Avenue was placed in such a way as to limit the visibility of bicyclists as they turned onto Nevada Street. Pat Connolly asked for clarification about the type of signage Mr. Howard was requesting for that intersection. Jvon Howard stated that he was requesting the stop here for pedestrians in crosswalk signage. Craig Shonkwiler stated that the sign requested by Mr. Howard had different criteria for installation than a stop sign. He continued by saying that the current signage on Mathews Avenue was installed as a result of a 2011 study “University of Illinois--University District Crosswalk and Signage Guidelines,” which was part of the Champaign Urbana Urbanized Area Transportation Study (CUUATS) performed for the University of Illinois campus. He said that he would review the recommendations of the study to see if a similar sign could be installed on Mathews Avenue at Nevada Street. He asked Mr. Howard which leg of the intersection carried the most pedestrian traffic. Mr. Howard stated that the north leg was used by most pedestrians. Mr. Shonkwiler said that he would observe the intersection to determine what signage would work at that intersection. John Collins said that the City of Urbana did not install the signage on Mathews Avenue. He further explained that the University of Illinois installed the signage on the City street. He said that maintenance of the crosswalks on Mathews Avenue was the responsibility of the University. Craig Shonkwiler said that he would observe the intersection and discuss solutions with the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission and the University of Illinois staff. He suggested waiting until after the students returned from winter break before making any observations. He said that he would let the Traffic Commission and Mr. Howard know the outcome of the discussions. Michael Madigan stated that no further action was needed. Unfinished Business Item #1- Discussion of bylaws and meeting rules for the Urbana Traffic Commission. Craig Shonkwiler mentioned that the changes recommended at the last Traffic Commission meeting had been made and that additional language was added to Article IV, Section IV, E, which further defined the role of an appointed proxy for the Police Chief or the Traffic Engineer to the Commission, as requested at that meeting. Pat Connolly moved to approve the Urbana Traffic Commission Bylaws and Rules of Procedure for the Organization of and Conduct of Business.  Traffic Commission Minutes January 2015 Page 3 Craig Shonkwiler seconded the motion. The Commission approved the motion 3-0. The bylaws and rules will be submitted to the City Clerk’s office for the record and a copy maintained by the Recording Secretary for the Commission. Discussion followed regarding future agenda items. At the time of the meeting there were no items for the February meeting. If no items are presented within the next two weeks, the February 10th meeting will be cancelled. The meeting adjourned at 4:16 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at the Urbana Public Works Department, 706 South Glover Avenue, second floor conference room. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Stiehl Recording Secretary