JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
AND CITY PLAN COMMISSION
MONDAY, MAY 10, 1999 - 5:00 P.M.
PORTAGE COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX-1462 STRONGS AVENUE
CONFERENCE ROOM 1

PRESENT: Mayor Wescott, C/T Schlice, Fred Steffen, Art Davy, Jeff Zabel, Lois Feldman; Alderpersons Aldinger, Barr, Kedrowski, Nealis, Perlak, Rackow

EXCUSED: Bud Flood

ALSO PRESENT: Director Van Alstine, Superintendent Krieski, Clerk Zdroik, Director Gardner, Peggy Rentz, Randy Fuchs, Randy Asman, Karen Olson, Edmund Pliska, Steve Dux, Tommy Lasiter, Julie Schmidt, Terry Anderson, Bob Peanasky, Brian Willenkamp, Sharon Fitch, Larry Defranza, Larry Koopman, Bill Bayba, Tom Ludwig, Joan Ford, Tim Randall, Nancy Urbanek, Susan Kampmeier, Scott Krueger; Alderpersons Niedbalski, Pazdernik, Phillips, Sevenich

1. TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY - HWY 10 E./BRILOWSKI ROAD TO BADGER ROAD
(ATTACHMENT-AGENDA PACKET)

Mayor Wescott called the joint Board of Public Works and City Plan Commission meeting to order. He said this was an informational meeting only, there would be no motions on any item. He outlined the time table for the meeting saying Randy Fuchs of Earth Tech would be going over the information in the Traffic Impact Study. After his presentation he will take questions from the Board and Plan Commission and if time allows he will take questions from others present. The Mayor said this meeting will adjourn at 6:00 P.M. He added the public hearings and decision making meetings will be scheduled later.

Randy Fuchs of Earth Tech introduced himself as the project manager for this study. He said the design year is 2010. He wanted to point out the hierarchy of the roads places I-39 as the highest and Highway 10 next. He said the DOT wants to limit access and maintain a 40 mph speed limit which requires signalized intersections to be at least 1/4 mile apart but they actually prefer them to be 1/2 mile apart. The intersections of Amber Avenue and Brilowski road are not 1/4 mile apart and that is why the signals will be placed at Badger Road.

Mr. Fuchs introduced Randy Asman of Earth Tech and Mr. Asman basically went over the portions of the study that indicate how the Level of Service (LOS) is arrived at through their computer program.

Mr. Fuchs continued along presenting the information from the report going over how it will affect present and future businesses and residents and he outlined the summary of recommendations and conclusions as follows:
Improve the Brilowski Road/USH 10 intersection
Signalize the Badger Avenue/USH 10 intersection
Prevent left turns from southbound Amber Avenue to eastbound USH 10
Prevent left turns from northbound Amber Avenue to westbound USH10
Prevent traffic from crossing USH 10 at Amber Avenue
Construct a raised median along USH 10 from Amber Avenue to Badger Avenue

He said the alignment will match with Brilowski Road after it is upgraded to a four-lane.

The Mayor asked for the cost estimate and Mr. Fuchs referred to the study where it shows $330,046.80.

The Mayor asked what if the City did nothing?

Mr. Fuchs said that is not a viable option, after the future development is complete it would leave Amber at an "F" LOS, and pointed out that is a dangerous intersection.

Karen Olson of the DOT said the State would respond if the City did nothing, their concern is to make Highway 10 work and Highway 10 traffic would be favored.

The Mayor asked under the new DOT administrative ruling, how would Madison react if the City did nothing?

Ms. Olson said they would deny access on Highway 10 and put in a raised median and eventually might upgrade Brilowski Road.

The Mayor asked how the growth numbers of 2% on Highway 10 and 3% on Brilowski Road were arrived at?

Mr. Fuchs said they were based on historical data.

Discussion followed on the problems that might be encountered with the proposed changes to the intersections and the problems that occur in trying to channel traffic in parking lots.

Alderperson Kedrowski asked why the study was done only over 10 years, was that typical? He would have been more comfortable with 20 years, saying we need to plan for that long.

Mr. Fuchs said the Parkdale developer said he expected full development in under 7 years. He added the Parkdale development is not the total cause of this increase in traffic, there will be more development in the Wal-Mart/Copps section and the Business Park.

Mayor Wescott asked if he had percentages of which portion is responsible for how much the traffic will increase?

Mr. Fuchs said he did have such numbers but he did not have them with him.

The Mayor asked that he provide that information and Mr. Fuchs assured him he would.

Representatives from the existing businesses such as Copps, Wal-Mart, and McDonalds expressed much concern over the problems these proposed changes will make in the parking lot. Mr. Pliska of Copps said it will be a nightmare in that lot with people shooting across in all directions.

Tom Lasiter, Wal-Mart, agreed that safety is first and access next. He said access is important to those businesses and said he made an observation earlier of the area and thought the signals would create enough gaps.

Mr. Fuchs said Mr. Lasiter would have to look at the peak hours to become aware there are few gaps.

Ms. Schmidt of McDonalds Corporation also thought the traffic will move to the parking lot, and will probably close that McDonalds, she suggested slowing the traffic to 30 to 35 mph.

Mayor Wescott said it took over two years to get the speed limit lowered by 5 mph out there.

Nancy Urbanek asked about access for her property.

Mr. Fuchs said she will get access along Clark, it will be better than it is now.

The Mayor asked what the probability would be that the State would permit additional access.

Ms. Olson said close to zero.

Mayor Wescott noted the hour was up for the meeting and indicated Mr. Fuchs will be available for further questions after this meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.

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