City of North Chicago Public Works Committee met Aug. 5.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Evans called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: None
I. DISCUSSION OF LAKE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (LCDOT) VIDEO PRESENTATION OF ROUNDABOUT – LAKE COUNTY BOARD, ANGELO KYLE:
NEW BUSINESS
VARIOUS
Lake County Board member, Angelo Kyle congratulated the Mayor upon the Community Days Parade; he invited the Mayor, Aldermen and citizens to AfroFest event Saturday, August 17, 2019.
HONORING ANNIVERSARY
He announced the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Alderman Ernest Fisher and honoring him as the first African American Police Chief in Lake County, IL. It will be held at the next County Board meeting.
Mr. Kyle announced the update to the 14th St. redevelopment and training video to explain how to drive through a roundabout. The City would receive their first roundabout at the intersection of 14th St. and Dugdale Rd. The road would be closed for the next (90) days for its installation. The yield signs would be in place of the 4-way stop signs. The reconstruction would extend from Green Bay Rd. to Sheridan Rd. The project commenced in 2012. Its purpose was to improve safety, secondly the pavement conditions, thirdly improving the bicycle/sidewalk accommodations and minimizing the impact to the Greenbelt Forest Preserves. The coordination of many stakeholders involved were, Lake County Forest Preserve, Pace Bus Company, City of North Chicago, Waukegan and Lake County, IL. Lake County Department of Transportation provided the planning, engineering and land acquisition obtaining a Federal Grant. The total construction cost was $18,000,000. Federal; $14,000,000, LCDOT; $3,300,000, North Chicago; $610,000 and Waukegan; $160,000. He clarified that the North side of 14th was Waukegan boundary and North Chicago’s was south of it.
The project consisted of the adjustment and replacement of the City water, sanitary sewer and street lights. The (4) lanes would be reduced to (3), providing one in each direction and a center turn lane. The concept would improve safety conditions, a sidewalk and bike path including multiple bus stop pads on 14th and Dugdale Rd. It would provide a new continuous trail connection to the Greenbelt Forest Preserve and the Robert McClory Bike Path. It was also an ongoing (7) years. The entire completion would be the end of 2020. In addition, there was anticipated landscaping finishes in early 2021.
The Mayor acknowledged the effort from LCDOT reconstruction of 14th St. Many of the Federal money utilized from C Map transferred to Lake County for the project.
Kevin Carrier, Planning & Programming Director of Lake County Department of Transportation (LCDOT) explained the total of (5) roundabouts currently and several in planning. It was to implement better safety measures. There was 40% reduction in vehicle crasher, 70% less injury accidents and 90% reduced fatalities. There was significantly less congestion with the roundabout method causing traffic to move slower. He provided Training Video presentation with roundabout and explained/distributed the brochures. The roundabout was designed for sidewalk accommodations and pedestrian crosswalks. Less experienced cyclist were to exit to bike path and sidewalk.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification of the signs. Mr. Carrier explained and clarified the pedestrians had 100% of the right-of-way, though they would need to signal to the vehicles ensuring they slowed down.
Alderman January stated she was informed of recent studies and questioned the safety percentage with roundabout. She was informed differently from report studies. Mr. Carrier explained nation- wide studies were performed and elaborated further. The before and after studies correlated to the Federal Highway with significant reduction compared to 4-way stops and signalized intersections.
The Mayor stated he attended a conference indicative of reduction with traffic congestion and accidents. Mr. Carrier clarified that every intersection was reviewed as a “case by case,” situation. Traffic signals were placed as needed at 4-way stops.
Alderman Evans questioned name change from 14th St. to Audrey Nixon Way. Mr. Carrier explained that currently it was under the jurisdiction of North Chicago and Waukegan. Once formalized, it would change.
Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes explained echoing Mr. Carrier; it didn’t formally change due to procedural changes and possibly jeopardizing the Federal Funding. It would be officially replaced closer to its redevelopment completion with post office notifications etc. Currently 14th St. from Green Bay Rd. to Jackson was bordered by the City of Waukegan and North Chicago. Both communities officially adopted the name change. Lake County would implement it upon the Jurisdictional Transfer.
Resident, Donna Kalinoski questioned alternate location of Green Bay and Jackson St. Mr. Carrier explained wasn’t feasible for that location.
Alderman Markham mentioned the dense traffic located at the intersection of Hunt Club and Wadsworth Rd. He questioned if the roundabout was considered with less traffic of 14th St.? Mr. Carrier explained existing and projected traffic was reviewed and it would accommodate with less traffic.
The Mayor understood the traffic decreased due to less AbbVie employees. He questioned clarification if there was a link to LCDOT site for viewing the roundabout information. Mr. Carrier elaborated further what was provide on their website.
II. DISCUSSION – REQUEST TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF REPAIR PARTS FOR ABBVIE RAW WATER ULTRASONIC FLOW METER FROM EASTECH FLOW CONTROLS IN THE MAOUNT OF $31,335.00 FOR USE AT THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT:
Public Works Director, Ed Wilmes explained the memorandum outlined the process reasoning for needed part. He had hoped to replace existing meter with a new one, although possible physical constraints and excessive risks. It was the least expensive option to repair parts. There was (1) supplier.
Alderman January inquired the lifecycle and if a meter replacement eventually. Mr. Wilmes explained providing the parts were still available from Eastech. He may need future follow up replacement of the second set. Mr. Wilmes explained it was a large ultrasonic meter. The sensor probes clarified wire meters, it was contained in the narrative and he elaborated further.
Alderman Markham questioned if the parts were funded. Mr. Wilmes explained that $4,000,000 from Capital Improvement was appropriated for the project.
Alderman Allen moved, seconded by Alderman Mayfield that Public Works Committee Meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Fisher, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January Nays: None
Absent: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/Sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COM.8.05.19.pdf
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