Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Group

MAYOR TRUSTEES Andrew Przybylo George D. Alpogianis John C. Jekot VILLAGE MANAGER Danette O’Donovan Matyas Steven C. Vinezeano Denise M. McCreery Craig Niedermaier VILLAGE CLERK Dean Strzelecki Marlene J. Victorine MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN ADVISORY GROUP Remote Participation Jan. 27, 2021 – 9:30 a.m. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Group meeting was held remotely on Tuesday, January 27, 2021. The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Chairman Niedermaier. Members Present: Staff Present: Chairman Craig Niedermaier Kathy Thake, Staff Liaison Peggy Reins Katie Schneider, Community Engagement Coordinator Matthew Abtahi Tom Powers, Village Engineer Stephen Sanders Nick Zakula, Police Bureau Chief Andrew Vitale, GIS Coordinator Members Absent: Nathan Bruemmer, Community Development Ticia Doughty-Ashcroft Also Present Tim O'Brien Akram Chaudhry Theodore Hamilton Michael Kerr Tim Gustafson P. E. John Karlovitz Call to Order Approval of Minutes Chairman Craig Niedermaier, seconded by Board Member Sanders, to approve the minutes of the November 13, 2020, meeting; on voice vote all concurred. New Business Item #1 Milwaukee Avenue Bike and Pedestrian Improvements, Presented by Epstein Presentation by Planning Firm Epstein and Engineer Firm Christopher B. Burke. Tim Gustafson gave an overview of the project the Village is interested in pursuing. Milwaukee and Jonquil and Milwaukee and Monroe intersections were reviewed in detail. Chairman Niedermaier stated that the Jonquil intersection does not appear to be a busy intersection. Tim Gustafson stated that in 1000 Civic Center Drive Niles, IL 60714 Phone (847) 588-8000 Fax (847) 588-8051 WWW.VNILES.COM this case multiple warrants would have to be met to install a signal. PHB is not a signal and when not in use goes dark, once activated it goes on causing vehicles to come to a stop. Chairman Niedermaier questioned how people would use the beacon. Tim Gustafson mentioned that the likely hood of people using is very high based on the robust installation and its effectiveness. Chairman Niedermaier sough clarification on funding of this project as well as how much control does the Village have as it relates to custom designing the overhead beacon and whether or not it could include a “Welcome to Niles” message. Tim Gustafson presented details on the Monroe and Milwaukee intersection indicating that this would be a good candidate for a signalized crossing. In addition, Tim Gustafson presented an alternative crossing on Howard that would fill the gap in the bike plan. This would be marked by green markings which makes it effective for users. The project schedule was outlined including the funding opportunities that are available, typically these are 80/20 split and multiple grants can be applied for the same projects. Member Reins stated the based on usage the PHB is important as well and breaking these projects up would be advantageous to the Village. Member Abtahi posed the question on widening the area on Howard and Harlem. However, Engineer Tom Powers stated this is a very difficult to obtain the land therefore to not hold up the project we proceed with the current design. Table the discussion on Jonquil until the 2014 Bike and pedestrian Plan is updated goes and perhaps narrow down the best location between Jonquil and the Jerry’s Fruit market crossing. The plan update can take up to a year and can be done advanced on the top priorities. The first necessary step would be to get the essential warrant study on Monroe and proceed with grant funding, the Group reached a consensus on moving forward. Upcoming Grant Opportunities Engineer Tom Powers presented several grant opportunities that are open for applications however the need for the Village to be strategic in planning moving forward in FY 22 and FY23. There will be some challenges with the Maine Township sidewalk infill due to a number of issues. The Engineering Department is comfortable with 2 applications at this time. The Group agreed that an application should be put in for Bunker Hill and Milwaukee Avenue Sidewalk Infill as it is a competitive grant to apply for by February 19. Chairman Niedermaier suggested that signage is put out before project start to inform users of what’s being planned. Member Abtahi suggested there is an update on Maine township connection and the need to build dialogue. There is an advantage to connect with Park Ridge as they are in Maine Township as well. Update on Pedestrian Crossings i. Waukegan and Cleveland and Caldwell and Cleveland HR Green is working on pushing forward with the movement on the state level. Site distance studies and traffic warrant studies have been completed for both inspections. Both warrants came back not meeting the signal warrants. Therefore, 2 concepts have been submitted to IDOT using rapid flashing beacons. The Waukegan and Cleveland concept includes installation of refuge islands along with land acquisitions on one side of the street. The Caldwell and Cleveland concept includes installation of refuge islands along with land acquisitions on both sides of the street. Chairman Niedermaier stated these are very good solutions for this type of crossing based on the facts provided. Comments from the Public None Next Meeting Tentative Date February 24, 2021 – 9:30 a.m. to discuss future projects opportunities, traffic data provided by the Police Department and preliminary dialogue on Plan update. Adjournment Motion to adjourn was made by Group Member Reins, seconded by Group Member Sanders; all concurred and the meeting adjourned at 11:57 a.m. Kathy M. Thake Staff Liaison