JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS
AND CITY PLAN COMMISSION
MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 1999 - 4:30 P.M.
PORTAGE COUNTY COURTHOUSE ANNEX-1462 STRONGS AVENUE
CONFERENCE ROOM 1

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

EXCUSED: Mayor Wescott, Bud Flood

ALSO PRESENT: Director Van Alstine, Clerk Zdroik, Director Gardner, Mayoral Assistant Bumgarner, Peggy Rentz, Ron Becker, Ron Johnson, Bruce Fredrickson, Bob Wagner, Rich Canon, Brian Willenkamp, Ed Pliska, Rudy Holz, Tommy Lasiter, Julie Schmidt, Sharon Fitch, Larry Defranza, Larry Koopman, Elizabeth Koshnick, Marcia Sperber, Doug Chubin, Robert Brilowski, Bill Bayba, Tom Ludwig, John Ford, Tim Randall, Susan Kampmeier, Scott Krueger, Gene Kemmeter; Alderperson Sevenich

Alderperson Rackow said Mayor Wescott had asked him to chair this meeting, that the Mayor was absent to attend the funeral of his father-in-law. He called for a moment of silence.

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

Director Gardner said last May we held a joint meeting to discuss a traffic impact study that had been prepared for this area by Earth Tech, Inc. (Attached). Today’s meeting is being held to discuss a second study that was done by HNTB at the request of several property owners in that area. He referred to the attached memo that he and Director Van Alstine had presented to the Plan Commission and Board of Public Works stating the main differences between the reports, the alternatives, and staff recommendation.

Rich Canon, HNTB, said that they used the same data to compile their report as had been used in the previous report. He explained that their study substituted a full traffic signal at Amber instead of the no-left-turn-out intersection, all other improvements remained the same.

Mr. Canon then presented a computer simulated production of how traffic would flow through that corridor of Highway 10 with a full signalized intersection at Amber Avenue and also with a stop sign and modified median at Amber Avenue. He was able to stack the two to show a comparison.

Ron Becker, DOT, asked if they had held any discussions with Earth Tech, saying there was a significant difference in their findings. He also wondered if they had set up a progression for the traffic signals.

Mr. Canon said they had to do some shifting and they worked with the existing speed limit.

Discussion followed on the technicalities of the results of the computer program regarding optimization, signal timing, cycles, delay time, etc.

Mr. Becker again expressed concern that the results of the two studies were so different and that he would like to see the technical data.

Mr. Canon replied that the results were basically the same until they plugged them into the computer.

Bruce Fredrickson, DOT, said the state now has authorization over land division adjacent to state highways. He explained traffic signals at Amber would be too close to the signals at Brilowski, that Highway 10 safety is their primary concern. He added they will have to study this more.

Jeff Zabel pointed out the computer simulation showed it would be confusing without signals, that it would be safer with three synchronized signals.

Mr. Becker said signals that close would be difficult to synchronize while maintaining the speed limit and progression.

Ron Johnson, DOT, said the state is trying to protect the Highway 10 progression, uniform signal spacing helps that progression.

Alderperson Aldinger said without a signal at Amber she feels navigating the parking lot will be unsafe.

Mr. Becker said the type of development that is going to take place, such as the soccer fields, will produce traffic that will need signals at Badger, he said they need to maintain good spacing of the signalized intersections, traffic signals too close cause congestion.

Alderperson Aldinger said the signals at Amber would help with congestion, she pointed out a good deal of traffic will have to go to Brilowski to go west.

Fred Steffen asked the cost of the extra signal and who will pay?

Mr. Canon said the cost is approximately $75,000 - $100,000.

Director Gardner said they could possibly assess the costs, but that is something to take to the Finance Committee in the future.

Mr. Fredrickson said cost is not the issue, the DOT is concerned with access and safety.

Doug Chubin, McClure Engineering, said it is Wal-Mart’s position that the third signal is crucial, the cost of the signal is nothing compared to the liability issue with traffic too close to their building. He said he thought Earth Tech’s study placed more traffic on Brilowski than Highway 10. He said the signals at Amber would provide another way to make a left turn.

Ed Pliska, Copps Corporation, said they would not have built out there if they had been told their access would be limited. He said traffic signals reduce accidents, the HNTB study is the proper way to go.

Tommy Lasiter, developer with Wal-Mart, said they wouldn’t have gotten the tenants out there if these restrictions had been previously known. He said they don’t have such problems in other states with access, he pointed out these businesses provide taxes for the city, their needs should be considered. He said these businesses cannot make it without that third signal.

Marcia Sperber, ALDI, agreed with Mr. Lasiter, she said the cost of the signal should be the last consideration, that they will pitch in with the cost. She also said they probably wouldn’t have built out there if they had known the access would be limited.

Julie Schmidt, McDonalds, said their first concern was safety to their customers, not dollars, and said they will also share the costs of putting in that signal.

Tim Randall, Applebees, said that limited access will destroy their business and he pointed out the safety hazards incurred by having to cross two lanes on Brilowski to go west.

John Ford, Parkdale, felt the DOT has to consider the safety and business concerns, he would like to see the traffic signal at Amber and would support it.

Robert Brilowski, Supervisor, Town of Hull, pointed out the Town is opposed to the alternative to extend the road between Copps and First Star Bank to the east to join Clark Street because of the additional traffic it would introduce into a residential area.

Acting Chairperson Rackow said two motions will be made, one from Plan Commission and one from the Board of Public Works.

Plan Commission Motion:
Jeff Zabel moved, seconded by Lois Feldman to strongly urge the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to place traffic signals at the intersection of Amber Avenue and Highway 10.

Alderperson Kedrowski asked if this approval of signals at Amber means the DOT will put them there?

Acting Chairperson Rackow said the motion makes the recommendation and called for a voice vote on the motion.

Ayes - all; Nays - none; Motion carried.

Board of Public Works Motion:
Alderperson Perlak moved, seconded by Alderperson Aldinger to go along with the motion made by the Plan Commission to strongly urge the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to place traffic signals at the intersection of Amber Avenue and Highway 10.

Ayes - 5 (C/T Schlice; Alderpersons Aldinger, Barr, Nealis, Perlak); Nays - 1 (Alderperson Kedrowski); Motion carried.

Director Gardner said technical aspects will be reviewed between all concerned groups and any changes that come out of these reviews will be forwarded to the proper committees.

The meeting was adjourned.

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