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1983-04-11 - Village Board Committee of the Whole - Minutes SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE OF THE PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS, HELD MONDAY, APRIL 11 , 1983, AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, 50 RAUPP BOULEVARD, BUFFALO GROVE, ILLINOIS. President Clayton called the meeting to order at 7:32 P.M. Roll call indicated the following present: President Clayton; Trustees Marienthal , Stone, O'Reilly, Hartstein, Gerschefske, Schwartz. Also present were: William Balling, Village Manager; Rick Skelton, Acting Village Attorney; James Doyle, Assistant Village Manager; Gregory Boysen, Director of Public Works; Richard Kuenkler, Village Engineer; Keith McIntyre, Engineering Technician; Leo McCann, Chief of Police, and Paul Kochendorfer, Village Treasurer. VOTE CANVASS The Village Clerk explained that the vote canvass will be held preceding next week's Board meeting at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers, and is open to anyone wishing to attend. The Clerk also noted that Village Hall will be open after the election tomorrow night from 7:00 P.M. until all returns have been received. LETTERS IN NEWSPAPER Mr. Bob Bogart referred to letters in the newspapers by one of the Trustees, and questioned some of the details of the special taxing district noted in the articles. Trustee Hartstein stated that his letters refer in general to a multitude of creative financing ideas; he stated that this particular letter was in regard to tax increment financing for the Town Center. President Clayton noted that Mr. Bogart would be notified once specific details of the plan are worked out. VILLAGE MANAGER REPORT Mr. Balling noted that Well #4 has been lost completely and that Well #6 recently experienced a break-dawn, repair on which is substantially completed. Well #2 is experiencing some problems, and staff would like to have Lane Western perform maintenance procedure on Well #2 , so that failure of that Well would not occur during the peak summer months. Mr. Balling noted that the target date for Lake Michigan water is between March and May of 1984. There were no objections to staff proceeding with the maintenance procedure for Well #2. TRAFFIC SAFETY WORKSHOP President Clayton explained the procedure to be followed for this discussion. Mr. Balling introduced the staff members who would be participating in tonight's discussion. The Discussion Outline prepared by staff was the format for the discussion. Mr. Rick Skelton , representing Mr. Raysa, stated that State Statutes would allow the Village to reduce the maximum speed limits within particular areas; however, there must be an engineering or traffic investigation of that particular area, the Board would have to determine that the lessening of the speed limit in a particular area was a resonable and safe speed limit, and the speed limit cannot be decreased to less than 25 miles per hour within a residential district. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE APRIL 11 , 1983 PAGE TWO Mr. Balling noted the Comprehensive Speed Survey which was completed by Paul Box & Associates in September of 1971 ; this provides the basic framework for speed limits in Buffalo Grove. Supplemental surveys have also been completed for specific areas, the most recent one done in February of 1983. There was discussion regarding the methods used in conducting engineering investigations, and the criteria used in setting proper speed limits. Mr. Kuenkler stated that posting will not set the speed at which people drive, unless it can be enforced regularly. Mr. Bill Ross, a resident of Chatham Circle, stated that a study done in 1971 is too old for the way the Village has changed in those 12 years. Mr. Kuenkler explained the warrants that are necessary to have speed control devices installed, stating that they are set by the Federal Highway Administration. Mr. Kuenkler stated that posting un- reasonably low speed limits will not increase safety; an over-abundance of STOP signs, and low speed limits give people a false sense of security, and will possibly cause people to be less cautious. Chief McCann and Keith McIntyre reviewed the "Accident Map" for 1982, pointing out the locations where most accidents occur. There was discussion on the types of accidents which most frequently occur, and the circumstances involved in accidents. Trustee Hartstein stated that he does not think that a speed study which shows the prevailing speed should necessarily be a guide by which the Village sets speed limits. Mr. Hartstein noted that the streets in the Village are not set in a grid pattern, which makes it more difficult to see pedestrians; he also noted that there would be a better chance of conformance if there is uniformity in the speed limits, and also if there is uniform enforcement. There was then discussion as to the criteria to be used in the study, and whether or not the Village is bound by the results of the study. Mr. Balling stated that he is sure that a speed study would warrant higher speed limits on the collector streets. Chief McCann explained how the Police Department would enforce the speed limits. Mr. Al Vermiglio of Chatham Circle questioned Mr. Skelton regarding the definition of residential area in the State Statutes. Mr. Vermiglio presented some pictures to the Board showing neighboring areas where there are 20 mile per hour speed limits, and also showing STOP signs at most corners. Mr. Balling stated that the community acceptance of the 20 mile per hour limit is the key to enforcement. Mr. Dave Schusteff of Chatham Circle pointed out some changes which have occurred since the last study was done in 1971 . Mr. Tom Lasky of Thompson Boulevard stated that he thinks that 30 miles per hour is too fast for a residential area, and he noted that other communities with similar residential areas have 20 mile per hour limits. Mrs. Sharon Gopon of Bernard Drive stated that she had a number of signatures from residents who would like to see the speed limit lowered, and could get many more if that would help lower the limits. Mr. Don Wilson suggested conferring with other towns that have lower speed limits to find out how they enforce these limits, and how the lower limits are accepted in the community. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE APRIL 11 , 1983 PAGE THREE Mr. Lee Arbus of Fox Hill Drive noted the unique areas in his subdivision, and stated that lower speed limits would cut the speed at which people drive. He stated that there are no STOP signs in his area, and there are no speed limit signs in the area. Mr. Hyman Riebman of Ronnie Drive advocated lowering the speed limits. Mr. Boysen stated that the standard used for speed limits is the "Illinois Guidelines for Speed" book. Mr. Balling stated that many streets in the Village will probably qualify for the 25 mile per hour speed limit. Trustee Stone asked if lowering the speed limit to 20 miles per hour could be defensible in court, and stated that he would need that information before making a decision. Mr. Rich Heinrich stated that he thinks that the traffic survey is meaningless unless the Village posts the speed limit signs in advance so that drivers are aware of the speed limits. He also said that squad cars should be visible on residential streets. Trustee Hartstein stated that the Village may set its own standards with regard to speed limits. Mr. Hartstein would like to have an opinion from the Village Attorney with regard to the limitations as to what the Village can or cannot do in order to do something on a uniform basis throughout the Village. Trustee Gerschefske stated that he thinks it is obvious that the Village needs to lower speed limits, and that it is important that the public know what the speed limits are on a uniform basis. Mr. Balling recapped the major questions raised this evening: 1 . Could the Village enforce a 20 MPH speed limit if a 20 MPH limit was not warranted? 2. Clarifying the definition of an urban district within a residential district. 3. Sign posting in subdivisions. 4. What does the Village have to do to satisfy the standards set by Buffalo Grove in terms of traffic regulation standards? Trustee Marienthal referred to Mr. Raysa's letter of July 24, 1980, and asked Mr. Balling to determine if it is possible for the Village to define reasonable and safe speed limits, or if they must abide by State Statutes. Mr. Marienthal also asked that staff look at the neighborhoods and utilize the historical data available and post a speed limit that is enforceable through the traffic investigation portion of the State Statutes at the present time. Mr. Marienthal would also like to see selective enforcement on neighbor- hood streets. It was also determined that there must be a cost figure available before a speed study is undertaken. Mr. Bill Clark, President of the Jaycees, stated that the Jaycees do support lower speed limits, and that the Jaycees would be willing to collect signatures indicating community support of same. A resident raised a concern about drag racing on new streets which will be opening up, such as Weidner Road. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE APRIL 11 , 1983 PAGE FOUR Mr. Balling stated that staff will have the information requested tonight within one month. Chief McCann reported that the Police Department has a good record of speeding tickets being upheld in court. Mr. Tom Noie stated that he had tried to equate streets such as Bernard Drive with like streets in other towns, and he found that 9 out of 10 of the same type of streets were 25 miles per hour. In answer to a question from Mr. Don Wilson, Mr. Balling stated that District #214 has been working with the State regarding high school students crossing Dundee Road. Mr. Leon Gopon stated that he thinks an effort should be made to keep pedestrians from walking or jogging in the roadways. RECESS President Clayton delcared a recess from 9:47 until 10:07 P.M. NORTRAN Mr. Bob Pinzur presented the NORTRAN Annual Report. Mr. Pinzur then high- lighted NORTRAN'S activities throughout the year; this was the 10th anniversary of NORTRAN; installation of a 2-way radio system was completed; Buffalo Grove did not lose any service, other than what was recommended to be terminated; a third route has been approved in Buffalo Grove; all 1981 loans were repaid; a safety citation was received; NORTRAN has been working with the CATS Council of Mayors; Mr. Pinzur is the Secretary/Treasurer of NORTRAN; the finance committee will meet monthly to review finances. The North Suburban Mass Transit District will meet in Buffalo Grove on November 30, 1983. There were no questions on the report. President Clayton thanked Mr. Pinzur for his report and for the fine job that he is doing for the Village. WINDFIELD ESTATES MULTI -FAMILY Mr. Ed Schwartz asked if the Board would be in favor of the concept which he has proposed. Mr. Balling reviewed Mr. Truesdell 's memo to him of April 7, 1983 regarding this property. There was discussion between the Board and the developer regarding the plan. President Clayton polled the Board : "Yes" indicates favor of the concept of a multi-family use on the 15 acres in Phase II ; "No" indicates opposition: YES: Marienthal , Stone, O'Reilly, Hartstein, Gerschefske NO: None ABSTAIN : Schwartz All "Yes" votes were subject to an extension of Kennicott. President Clayton polled the Board: "Yes" indicates favor of the developer's request for office/multi-family development on Phase III ; "No" indicates opposition: YES: None NO: Marienthal , Stone, O' Reilly, Hartstein, Gerschefske ABSTAIN: Schwartz President Clayton polled the Board: "Yes" indicates favor of the developer's request for a mixed use of single and multi-family in Phase III ; "No" indicates opposition: COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE APRIL 11 , 1983 PAGE FIVE YES: Marienthal , Stone, O'Reilly, Hartstein, Gerschefske NO: None ABSTAIN: Schwartz It was the consensus of the Board that there should be more information with regard to the product before it is sent to the Plan Commission. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Marienthal , seconded by Hartstein, to adjourn the meeting. Upon voice vote, the motion was unanimously declared carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:43 P.M. Janet M. Sirabian, Village Clerk