Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Group

MAYOR TRUSTEES Andrew Przybylo George D. Alpogianis John C. Jekot ACTING Danette O’Donovan Matyas VILLAGE MANAGER Denise M. McCreery Hadley Skeffington-Vos Craig Niedermaier Dean Strzelecki VILLAGE CLERK Marlene J. Victorine MINUTES BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN ADVISORY GROUP Remote Participation Feb. 24, 2021 – 10:30 a.m. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Group meeting was held remotely on Tuesday, February 24, 2021. The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. by Staff Liaison Thake. Members Present: Staff Present: Chairman Craig Niedermaier Kathy Thake, Staff Liaison Peggy Reins Tom Powers, Village Engineer Matthew Abtahi Nick Zakula, Police Bureau Chief Stephen Sanders Andrew Vitale, GIS Coordinator Ticia Doughty-Ashcroft Nathan Bruemmer, Community Development Members Absent: Katie Schneider, Community Engagement Coordinator Call to Order Chairman Niedermaier joined the meeting at 10:38 AM. Members of the Group introduced themselves to the public. Approval of Minutes Board Member Reins, seconded by Board Member Sanders, to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2021, meeting; on voice vote all concurred. New Business Item #1 Police Crash Data Analysis (Police Bureau Chief Zakula) Nick Zakula, Police Bureau Chief presented the crash data for vehicle and pedestrian and cyclists crashes by section for a period of 6 years. The pins on the map presented indicates a various incidents from minor to some fatalities. Board Member Reins questioned the unincorporated Cook County area, however the data presented is only from Niles Police Department response and does not include Cook County. The pandemic is a result of the data presented for 2020 with a low amount of pedestrians and vehicles on the roads. 1000 Civic Center Drive Niles, IL 60714 Phone (847) 588-8000 Fax (847) 588-8051 WWW.VNILES.COM Village Engineer Powers shared a map from IDOT of critical safety location as determined by IODT. More information will be sought as to what determines these location priorities. Chairman Niedermaier stated these locations identified by IDOT might enhance the conversation with IDOT and they may be more willing to work with the Village on these particular areas as identified. Staff liaison Bruemmer stated the unsignalized intersections could be a criteria to get on this list to IDOT. Chairman Niedermaier made a statement that he did not think that signals make intersections safer. He further provided an example of other towns and how timing of lights makes a difference for safety. Board Member Reins stated the speed is the number one factor that is a hazard to pedestrians and cyclists. Member Doughty-Ashcroft stated that speed is a factor and should be lowered on Waukegan. Village Engineer Powers indicated that he does not believe a formal request was not filed with IDOT to lower the speed limit. Staff liaison Thake mentioned that a tree canopy adjacent to road ways does tent to lower drivers speed. Chairman Niedermaier has acknowledged as to the progress the Village has made, for example several grant applications were approved at the February Board meeting. General conversation continued on the necessary updates to the 2014 Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Chairman Niedermaier suggested a tour in the summer months to explore the problem areas to have a better understanding in person. This could be beneficial; Staff liaison Thake suggested this be incorporated in the update to the Plan. Item #2 Upcoming Crossing at Culver School Village Engineer Powers provided a status update on the Culver Crossing Project. This project is out to bid with due date of today, Feb. 24. The contract will be awarded at the March Board Meeting Staff will work with Culver School to ensure the construction is on schedule. Members are pleased with the design as presented. Other Discussion Update on the Grant Applications Village Engineer Powers provided a status update on the applications which all met deadlines for Bunker Hill Trail Connection and the Milwaukee (Main St to Dempster). The consultant will handle the final submittals for the application that were approved by the Village Board. Plan Update Moving Forward Village Engineer Powers stated that update is budgeted for FY22. The Village has options on how to proceed with the RFQ/RFP process or work with an existing firm. The goals would be formed during the planning process. Members agreed that the update will shed light on the properties that need to be addressed as the first step. Village Engineer Powers suggested two firm come to the next meeting and present the scope of the update and how it would work. Sticker Renewal – Driver Education At a previous meeting, it was requested to push an effort to educate drivers about pedestrian safety and the timing would be great during sticker renewal. Information to be shared with the proper individuals. At this time it was noted the sticker program is under review with the new Finance Director. Comments from the Public None Next Meeting Tentative Date March 24, 2021 time to be determined. 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