Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000 Mins Traffic Board FINAL CITY OF LANSING PLANNING & NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING OFFICE OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE - TRAFFIC BOARD OF THE MET NG OF JULY 3T1,2O OOANSING � ;, 2. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mr. Brehob at 5:45 p.m. ROLL CALL Board Members Present: Brehob, Foltz, Hershkowitz, Manns, Miner, and Williams. Members Absent: None Staff Members: Berridge VISITORS None. MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE None. ITEMS FOR SUSPENSION OF RULES Mr. Berridge recommended that all items under Reports from the Secretary be considered as Action Items. Foltz moved, Hershkowitz seconded, CARRIED, to consider all items under Reports from the Secretary as Action Items. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Manns moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes from the Traffic Board meeting that was held June 14, 2000. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS None. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. REPORTS FROM THE SECRETARY 1. Traffic Investigation Report#00-20: Pennsylvania Avenue and Shiawassee Street Mr. Berridge gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Mr. Brehob suggested that the school have some of the larger extracurricular activites meet before school to spread out arrival times. Manns moved, Miner seconded, Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 2 - July 31, 2000 CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to not install left-turn phasing and continue to work on modifications to other signals in the Pennsylvania Avenue corridor. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 ACTION ITEMS None. TABLED ITEMS None. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS OLD BUSINESS 1. Mr. Brehob stated that tonight would be his last meeting. NEW BUSINESS 1. Mr. Berridge stated that there will not be a meeting on August 9, 2000. 2. Election of Officers for FY 2000-2001 Foltz moved, Miner seconded, to have Ms. Manns serve as Chairperson for FY 2000-2001. Miner moved, Foltz seconded, to have Mr. Hershkowitz serve as Vice-Chairperson for FY 2000- 2001. Williams moved, Miner seconded, CARRIED, that nominations be closed and unanimous ballot be cast. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, r David A. Berridge Secretary J:\TRANSPOR\Traffic\Traffic BoardUNINUTES\2000\0700.wpd July 7, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-13 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: BOSTON BOULEVARD AND CORBETT.STREET I The Transportation and Parking Office received a request to investigate sight distance and traffic control requirements on Corbett Street at the intersection of Boston Boulevard. This request was made because of right-of-way concerns at this uncontrolled intersection. The intersection of Boston Boulevard and Corbett Street is an uncontrolled residential intersection that has a unique geometry. Corbett Street intersects with Boston Boulevard at a 45 degree angle and terminates northbound at this intersection. A safe approach speed study was performed revealing a safe approach speed of 17 MPH due to a fence near the southwest corner of the intersection. The traffic volume on Corbett Street is estimated to be 150-200 vehicles per day (VPD). The traffic volume on Boston Boulevard is estimated to be 800-1000 VPD. A review of the accident records for this intersection indicates there have been no reported accidents from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends that a yield sign be installed on Corbett Street at the intersection of Boston Boulevard because of the low safe approach speed and the previously mentioned concerns over right-of-way at this location. 1 July 7, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-13 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: BOSTON BOULEVARD AND CORBETT STREET LOCATION DIAGRAM N BLAIR ST 5" V7 Li INTERSECTION! Boston Blvd & Corbett St DATE: June 6, 2000 SCALE: N/A --------- NO ❑F ACCIDENTS: 0 FROM Jon 93 TO Dec 98 ANALYST: LMA & mW 2 July 25, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-14 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST- COLCHESTER ROAD AND NORTHWEST 3AVE'NU.E A 2 The Transportation and Parking Office received a request from Brian Bartlett to investigate a sight distance and traffic control concern at the intersection of Colchester Road and Northwest Avenue. Mr. Bartlett made this request due to the current lack of traffic control at this intersection. The intersection of Colchester Road and Northwest Avenue is a four-leg residential intersection that is currently uncontrolled. Colchester Road terminates two blocks to the east and to the west of Northwest Avenue. A safe approach speed study was performed revealing a safe approach speed of 16 MPH due to a bush located on the northwest corner of this intersection. The traffic volume on Northwest Avenue is estimated to be 500-600 vehicles per day (VPD). The traffic volume on Colchester Road is estimated to be 100-200 VPD. A review of the accident records for this intersection indicates there have been no reported accidents from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends the installation of yield signs on Colchester Road at the intersection of Northwest Avenue due to the low safe approach speed that was determined for this intersection. 1 July 25, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-14 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: COLCHESTER ROAD AND NORTHWEST AVENUE LOCATION DIAGRAM Lj q C r� V J W Q ca S Q J Z } J O W w w � rr � w = o a W a r U q ly RD. Y coMBER�N N 2 July 25, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-14 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: COLCHESTER ROAD AND NORTHWEST AVENUE EXISTING AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL AT TIME OF STUDY c; r NESS � d G� ca Li V) j a W J Z Q J C] 2 = J z r - w o N w z w 3 Li F O 3 L3 JC,- IR U = OWU D. Y (J CUMBER�P,ND N 3 August 21, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-15 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: PHEASANT AVENUE AND WEBSTER,STREET The Transportation and Parking Office received a request from Amy Cranfill to investigate a right-of-way and traffic control complaint at the intersection of Pheasant Avenue and Webster Street. This request was made because of right-of-way concerns at this uncontrolled intersection. The intersection of Pheasant Avenue and Webster Street is a four-leg residential intersection that is currently uncontrolled. Webster Street terminates one block to the west of Pheasant Avenue. A safe approach speed study was performed revealing a safe approach speed of 16 MPH due to a house and a bush located on the southwest corner of this intersection. The combined traffic volumes of both Pheasant Avenue and Webster Street are estimated to be 250 vehicles per day. A review of the accident records for this intersection indicates there have been no reported accidents from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends the installation of yield signs on Webster Street at the intersection of Pheasant Avenue due to the low safe approach speed that was determined for this intersection. 1 August 21, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-15 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: PHEASANT AVENUE AND WEBSTER STREET LOCATION DIAGRAM N yL _ _HORACE CSf. s �d POLLARD RD. L 9�f �C /9 `rf RADFORD �ldC f DESOT❑ i � JQ� WEDSTER ST. z a N w J� J �V a NEWARK Q w a P ELIESENER a � a 0 a 3 � a u a W. MILLER RD. 2 August 21, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-15 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: PHEASANT AVENUE AND WEBSTER STREET EXISTING AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL AT TIME OF STUDY N hG CC. CE RD. JC C� DESOT❑ 0 1 0 JQ�� WEBSTER z a a Y w a NEWARK U AVE.L' 2V �1 W W a P BLIESENER c w � O J Y = N G K a U a W. MILLER RD. 3 CITY OF LANSING PLANNING & NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING OFFICE OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE TRAFFIC BOARD OF THE CITY OF LANSING MEETING OF JUNE 14, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mr. Brehob at 6:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Board Members Present: Brehob, Foltz, Hershkowitz, Manns, Miner, Stebbins, and Williams. Members Absent: None Staff Members: Berridge, Silsby VISITORS Stonewall Cross, Sue Cross, Dale Witte, Martha DiBlase, Ron Preadmore, Gary Secor, William Johns, Scott McGillis, Dan Kimmel, Angie Kimmel, Florence Trevino. MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE None. ITEMS FOR SUSPENSION OF RULES Mr. Berridge recommended that all items under Reports from the Secretary be considered as Action Items. Miner moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to consider all items under Reports from the Secretary as Action Items. Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Stebbins would like it noted that he would like the traffic signal at Capitol and Ionia, and Michigan and Washington be placed in blinker on Sunday only. Manns moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes from the Traffic Board meeting that was held April 12, 2000, with the above mentioned amendment. Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 2 - June 14, 2000 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS Stonewall Cross - 630 E Paulson Would like to see the no parking restriction on Paulson be made permanent. Dan Kimmel - 2032 Mary Avenue Supports the Mary Avenue section of Area 28. Would like to see it implemented as soon as possible. Ron Preadmore -4220 Christiansen Would like a three way stop at Christiansen and Pierce Road. Placing a three way stop at this intersection would slow the traffic down. Gary Secor- 1606 Reo Road Is speaking on behalf of himself and his neighbors, the Henderson's. Is opposed of the speed humps. Does not feel that the traffic is a problem nor do they feel that the speed humps will reduce the speeds. William John - 522 E Paulson Would like to see the temporary no parking restriction removed from Paulson. Even with the temporary restriction, people are still parking on both sides of Paulson. If the motion is passed to make the parking restriction permanent he would like the sign removed from the front of his home because it is an eye sore. Florence Trevino - 1908 Hillcrest Street Is in favor of the Area 28 plan. Would like to see it implemented as soon as possible. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. REPORTS FROM THE SECRETARY 1. Parking Regulation Change Request #00-10: Paulson Street Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Williams moved, Hershkowitz seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to prohibit parking on the north side of Paulson Street from North East Street to the Dead End West. Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 2. Traffic Control Request#00-11: Grand Avenue and South Street Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 3 June 14, 2000 Manns moved, Miner seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install a yield sign on Grand Avenue at the intersection of South Street. Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 3. Traffic Control Request#00-12: Platt Street and South Street Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Miner moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install a yield sign on Platt Street at the intersection of South Street. Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 4. Area 28 Traffic Calming Report Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. Mr. Secor stated that putting in the speed humps will not deter the traffic and would not like them put in. Mr. Preadmore stated that he would like to see something to slow the traffic down on Christiansen. Mr. Wilson stated that the light at Mary Avenue and Martin Luther King Blvd. needs to be studied. Mr. Silsby stated that is being scheduled for a traffic study. Mr. Wilson also suggested doing more than one study, one when school is in session and one when school is not in session. Mr. Silsby concurred with this. Mr. Brehob is concerned that with this plan it will create more traffic on other streets. Ms. Manns asked when implementation can take place. Mr. Hershkowitz asked how the traffic calming devices will be placed. Will they be placed street by street or device. Mr. Silsby stated that at this time it is undetermined. The schedule will be different for asphalt and concrete work. Williams moved, Miner seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation for the Area 28 Traffic Calming Report. Yeas: 7 Nays: 0 ACTION ITEMS None. TABLED ITEMS None. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Mr. Berridge introduced Mr. Hershkowitz to the Traffic Board. Mr. Hershkowitz gave the board an overview of his background. Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page -4 - June 14, 2000 2. Mr. Brehob announced that he accepted a position at the University of Michigan and will be leaving the Traffic Board in August or September 2000. 3. Mr. Stebbins announced that he will be leaving effective immediately since his term has expired. 4. Mr. Berridge would like to thank Mr. Stebbins and Mr. Brehob for their work on the Traffic Board. Mr. Berridge asked the board to keep in mind anyone who might be interested in becoming a traffic board member. 5. Mr. Berridge stated that the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee report is available for the board members. 6. Mr. Berridge stated that there are currently two major studies going on at this time. The Downtown Parking Study and the second phase of the 2-Way Street Study. Both studies should be concluded by fall. 7. Mr. Berridge stated that the Transportation and Parking Office is working with the Michigan Department of Transportation on the 1-496 closure. OLD BUSINESS 1. Mr. Brehob wanted to know the status of Aurelius Road. Mr. Berridge stated that there has been no notification if the City has received the Grant. Mr. Brehob stated that there needs to be some type of temporary measure as soon as possible. NEW BUSINESS None. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, David A. Berridge Secretary JATRANSPOR\Traffic\Traffic BoardWIINUTES\2000\0600.wpd CITY OF LANSING PLANNING & NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT =, -�� TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING OFFICE �� OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE -7" TRAFFIC BOARD OF THE CITY OF LANSING MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2000 4. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Mr. Brehob at 6:08 p.m. ROLL CALL Board Members Present.- Brehob, Manns, Skillings, Stebbins, and Williams. Members Absent: Foltz, Miner Staff Members: Berridge, Silsby VISITORS None. MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE None. ITEMS FOR SUSPENSION OF RULES Mr. Silsby recommended that all items under Reports from the Secretary be considered as Action Items. Stebbins moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to consider all items under Reports from the Secretary as Action Items. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Manns moved, Stebbins seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes from the Traffic Board meeting that was held March 8, 2000. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS None. Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 2 - April 12, 2000 COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. REPORTS FROM THE SECRETARY 1. Traffic Control Request#00-01: Polly Avenue and Thomas Street Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Williams moved, Stebbins seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install a stop sign on Polly Avenue at the intersection of Thomas Street. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 2. Traffic Control Request#00-09: Call Street and Eighth Avenue Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Mr. Williams stated that the stop signs are already in place and that the report should reflect this. Mr. Berridge stated that the report would be amended to include the temporary traffic control order. Mr. Williams stated that there are two very large pine trees that need to be trimmed. Mr. Silsby stated that the tree trimming is in the recommendation. Williams moved, Skillings seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install stop signs on Eight Avenue at the intersection of Call Street ACTION ITEMS None. TABLED ITEMS None. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Mr. Berridge stated that Public Safety Committee will be reporting the modified version of the Moores River Drive Traffic Calming Report. Mr. Berridge stated that the Moores River Drive area was broken down into five different segments and that they agreed to treat two out of the five segments with an additional raised crosswalk. Mr. Berridge gave an overview of the final results. There was discussion with the board members regarding the sidewalk issue. 2. Ms. Skillings asked what the status is on traffic calming this summer. Mr. Berridge stated that Area 5 and Area 28 is scheduled for this year. 3. Mr. Stebbins asked that the traffic signal at Capitol and Ionia, and Michigan and Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 3 - April 12, 2000 Washington be placed in blinker on the weekends. Mr. Berridge stated that he would check into the schedule of these lights. 4. Mr. Brehob would like an update of the two-way street conversion. Mr. Silsby stated that there is a consulting firm that is doing an analysis and there is ongoing meeting taken place on the issue. 5. Ms. Skillings asked if the City has ever gone out and trimmed shrubbery. Mr. Silsby stated that the City does notify the property owner to do the trimming or the Parks and Recreation Department will do it. 6. Ms. Manns stated that on April 13, 2000 there is an appreciation dinner at the Lansing Center and encourages the board to go. Ms. Manns also requested an updated map of the Traffic Calming Areas. Mr. Berridge stated that he would get the board an updated map. 7. Mr. Berridge would like to acknowledge Ms. Skillings for the wonderful job she has done on the Traffic Board. Mr. Williams also thanked Ms. Skillings for her appointment. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS None. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6.29 p.m. Respectfully sub ' ed, id A. er id e Secretary JATRANSPOR\Traffic\Traffc Board\MINUTES\2000\0400.wpd CITY OF LANSING 7 ^ "!'u i; DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING OFFICE - 0 P`9 1 50 TRAFFIC BOARD MEETING L..'I CITY CLERK 6:00 P.M. APRIL 12, 2000 AGENDA NORTH CAPITOL RAMP 316 NORTH CAPITOL AVENUE, SUITE C3 A. CALL TO ORDER 1. Roll Call 2. Motions for Excused Absences 3. Items for Suspension of Rules B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Minutes of the meeting held March 8, 2000. C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS The public may comment on any of the following items on the agenda: Communications and Petitions, Reports From the Secretary, Action Items and Informational Items. (Time limit: three (3) minutes per speaker.) D. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS 1. Recommendation Letter to Council: Carol Skillings, reappointment to Traffic Board. E. REPORTS FROM THE SECRETARY 1. Traffic Control Request #00-01: Polly Avenue and Thomas Street 2. Traffic Control Request #00-09: Call Street and Eighth Avenue F. ACTION ITEMS G. TABLED ITEMS H. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1 I. OLD BUSINESS J. NEW BUSINESS K. ITEMS FOR SUSPENSION OF THE RULES L. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS M. ADJOURNMENT FOR SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, PLEASE GIVE 24 HOUR NOTICE PRIOR TO THE MEETING BY CALLING TAMMY GOOD AT 483-4243 OR 483-4479 TDD. JATRANSPOR\Traffic\Traffic Board\AGENDA=00\0400.AGE.wpd 2 CITY OF LANSING PLANNING & NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING OFFICE OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE TRAFFIC BOARD OF THE CITY OF LANSING C., MEETING OF MARCH 8, 2000 ' s CALL TO ORDER ` The meeting was called to order by Mr. Miner at 6:09 p.m. rMi ROLL CALL ^' -- a% Board Members Present: Foltz, Manns, Miner, Skillings, Stebbins, and Williams. Members Absent: Brehob Staff Members: Berridge, Good, Silsby VISITORS Geneva Smith MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE Stebbins moved, Skillings seconded, CARRIED, to grant Brehob an excused absence. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 There was a motion by Manns to grant Mr. Williams an excused absence. Manns moved, Foltz seconded, CARRIED, to grant Williams an excused absence. ITEMS FOR SUSPENSION OF RULES Mr. Silsby recommended that all items under Reports from the Secretary be considered as Action Items. Stebbins moved, Skillings seconded, CARRIED, to consider all items under Reports from the Secretary as Action Items. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Stebbins was misquoted in the minutes under new business. Mr. Stebbins stated that he had the impression that most people are not in favor of the two way street conversion. Skillings moved, Manns seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes, as amended, from the Traffic Board meeting held February Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 2 - February 9, 2000 9, 2000. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS 1. Geneva Smith - 705 W. Kalamazoo#3 Ms. Smith is concerned with the sight distance coming out of the Capitol Commons parking lot. Ms. Smith would like to see two parking spots east of the Capitol Commons apartments driveway and two parking spots west of the Capitol Commons apartments driveway be eliminated from Kalamazoo Street. Ms. Smith also stated that Capitol Commons has a large problem with State workers parking in their parking lot. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS 1. Note to File: Cavanaugh Road and Dunckel Road Received and placed on file. REPORTS FROM THE SECRETARY 1. Parking Regulation Change Request#00-05: Kalamazoo Street Meter Plan Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Ms. Skillings requested that the Transportation and Parking Office contact the Capitol Commons Center to inform them of the changes that will be taking place. Mr. Berridge gave an overview of the advantage of the meter plan with the improved on- street organization that controlled parking spaces create. Mr. Berridge stated that the report will be amended to take the parking rates out of the report since the board is not adopting the rates, only the meter plan. There was further discussion with the board members. Ms. Smith asked when the Kalamazoo Street Meter Plan will go into effect. Mr. Berridge stated once the plan gets approved it will probably be in May or June. Williams moved, Stebbins seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation for the Kalamazoo Street Meter Plan. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 ACTION ITEMS None. TABLED ITEMS None. Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 3 - February 9, 2000 INFORMATIONAL ITEMS None. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS 1. Ms. Foltz was concerned with traffic at Fairview and Saginaw, especially with the fatality recently. Ms. Foltz would like to see a traffic signal be installed with a no turn on red when children are present, and painted cross walks. Ms. Foltz stated that since the fatality, a tree was cut down to increase sight distance and traffic counts were taken, but she does not feel that they were taken properly. Ms. Foltz would like to see the board recommend the State of Michigan to do proper counts at the intersections at Marshall, Clemens and Fairview. Mr. Berridge stated that he has reviewed the accident report and the information that the Transportation and Parking Office has received about the accident, and even if there was a traffic signal at this intersection, the accident probably would have still taken place. It was a very tragic accident, but the signalization would not have stopped it. The State has done a volume, accident, and delay study. The delay study does take into account intervening traffic. Mr. Berridge stated that he expects to receive a report from the State with the results from their study. There was discussion with the board members. Mr. Miner requested that the Transportation and Parking Office report to the board when they have received the report from the State. 2. Ms. Skillings asked if there was any information on the grants that were submitted. Ms. Silsby stated that the Transportation and Parking Office has not been notified if the grant was approved. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, , David L:�A. B rr' ge Secretary c:\wp\data\traffic\minutes\0300.min q_ December 15, 1999 Council President Tony Benavides and City Council Members 10th Floor, City Hall Lansing, MI 48933 Dear President Benavides and City Council Members: I herewith submit for your confirmation the reappointment of Carol Skillings 216 Huron St., Lansing MI to the Traffic Board, at-large. This will be her second term. Term will expire June 2003. Your confirmation of this appointment is appreciated. Sincerely, David C. Hollister Mayor FT3356871 FT3746666 APPLICATION FOR MENIBERSH]P ON CITY BOARD OR CONCVUSSION CITY OF L41 S II`.G, ]vn CHIGA)\ Mail or Deliver: David C. Hollister, Mayor 9th Floor City Hall 124 W. Michigan Lansing, MI 48933 Thank you for your interest in serving on a Lansing board, commission or committee. The Lansing City Charter requires that every member of a board, commission or committee established by charter or ordinance meet the following qualifications for holding office: -A registered voter in the City of Lansing (2-102). -A resident of Lansing for at least one year prior to appointment (2-102). -The charter prohibits appointees who are indebted to any city agency for any judgements, fees, parking tickets, assessments, unpaid taxes, or any other monies due the City (2-103.2). -Applicants who have been convicted of election law violations, violations of public trust or any felony in the last 20 years shall be disqualified (2-103.1). Date: Name: 6tt , 1. i Ward:_ Precinct:�� Address: J� Home Phone: 3 / q- L W o� Work Phone: �c35 6 7 Educational Background: g LA _ M50 � -� Occupational Background (please attach. resume): i ctr,t Page One Community Activities: �.'L/J ;��icLk /Vt!�'11k�41"h(IOG� 1 /I)e A L r4o 6d k1k, 7�A (�"j yi5c/hah�7 ��APL l'i ( /I/Z�'Gi/ttiu Boards on which you are interested in serving: 1) P AA, ram' ?) 3) 4) Additional information on experience, qualifications, etc. eq, Please comment � briefly on why? ou wish to serve o particular bo� A/,-rQ Gam: commission. Please be specific as to your goals and ideas about ho V you wish to contribute to the work of the board or commission:_ ,v ,,,,t / �id12t Once aeain, thank you for your interest in serving the City of Lansing. Paee Two Carol L. Skillings 701 McKim Avenue Lansing, Michigan 48910 Home: (517)374-6402 Office: (517)335-6871 Education Landscape Architecture, Michigan State University B.L.A.with Highest Honors, 6/92. American Society of Landscape Architects(ASLA)National Honor Award for 1992. Sigma Lambda Alpha National Honor Society. Natural Resources, University of Michigan B.S. 12/81. Computer Skills Microsoft Word,Excel,Framework,AutoCad,C-Map,Intergraph Microstation. - Work Environmental Quality Analyst p11 August 1994 — present Experience Michigan DEQ, Environmental Response Division, Site Reclamation Program In my current position at the Site Reclamation Program, I participate in the administration of three grant programs and one loan program. Grants and loans from the DEQ are available to local units of government for the purpose of addressing environmental contamination at"brownfield" properties ready for redevelopment. I review and analyze applications for projects proposed for funding, coordinate the application process,recommend application decisions,recommend budget and funding levels,work with applicants to resolve eligibility and implementation issues,coordinate technical reviews, approve workplans including cost estimates,approve change orders,review invoices and approve requests for reimbursements,work with legal documents, and conduct site inspections. I work with numerous state and local agencies on individual projects,and provide information on programs via telephone, in writing,meetings,and presentations. Environmental Quality Analyst 9 November 1993 — July 1994 Michigan DNR, Environmental Response Division, Superfund Section, Lansing, Michigan In this position as a project manager,I managed Superfund projects to remedy public health and environmental hazards caused by hazardous waste sites,including oversight of remedial investigations, feasibility studies,remedial designs,and remedial actions. The management of projects involved review and approval of documents and plans,payment authorizations,on-site supervision of consultants and cleanup contractors,coordination with other divisions and state,federal,and local agencies,and participation in enforcement negotiations. Geologic Technician 11 March 1990 — November 1993 Michigan DNR, Geological Survey Division, Policy, Procedures, and Special Services Unit In this position I worked primarily in relation to mining and reclamation as regulated by Act 222,the Sand Dune Protection and Management Act. Duties included using C-Map,Intergraph Microstation(a geographic information system),and MIRIS to develop a book of maps designating shoreland areas that require a permit for mining. Other projects involved abandoned coal mines in the state, including data collection,mine investigation,site inspection,and preparation of documents for federal administrators. I helped to perform site inspections and write reports for quart'reclamation projects under the Mine Reclamation Act. At various times I held special positions, including Head Coordinator for the 3rd Symposium on Michigan Geology,Chairman of the division ergonomics committee,and statewide coordinator for the use of oilfield brine for dust and ice control on roads. Geologic Technician IV,V,VI July 1985 — March 1990 Michigan DNR, Geological Survey Division, Geologic Information Unit, Lansing, Michigan In this position I provided microcomputer software training and support for division-wide use of DOS, Framework and PROFS. Specific duties included the preparation of documentation and presentation of training materials,with follow-up support and problem solving. 1 designed and developed the Annual Well Status Report,a computerized statewide report,maintained the computer supply inventory and coordinated purchase requests. I mapped oil and gas well locations on topographic maps,and responded to public inquiries for general information and publications. January 4, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY #00-01 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: POLLY AVENUE AND THOMAS STREET The Transportation and Parking Office received a request to install traffic control at the intersection of Polly Avenue and Thomas Street. The request was made because a crossing guard in the area is concerned with the uncontrolled nature of this intersection. The intersection of Polly Avenue and Thomas Street is an uncontrolled residential "T" intersection. Polly Avenue terminates at the intersection of Thomas Street. A safe approach speed study revealed a safe approach speed of 9 MPH due to the topography of a berm located in the northeast quadrant of this intersection. The traffic volume Polly Avenue is estimated to be 500-600 vehicles per day (VPD). The traffic volume on Thomas Street is estimated to be 3500-4000 VPD. A review of the accident records for this intersection indicates there have been two reported accidents from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998. Neither of these accidents were potentially correctable accidents. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends the installation of a stop sign on Polly Avenue at the intersection of Thomas Street because of the low safe approach speed that was determined for this intersection. 1 January 4, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-01 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: POLLY AVENUE AND THOMAS STREET LOCATION DIAGRAM HARRIS ST. N z GIER PARK 27 0 w U U ST. �i GIER ST. ¢ z ti d r � � ❑ J a W J = J TH:OMAS ST. a a 711MAS ST. _ i,i ❑ a 3vz, ❑TTJJR. HIGH ��_MOSELY ST. ❑ G,p Z DGUGLAS AVE. 2 April 5, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-09 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: CALL STREET AND EIGHTH AVENUE The Transportation and Parking Office received a request from Jeffery Burgtorf to investigate a sight distance and traffic control complaint at the intersection of Call Street and Eighth Avenue. The resident made this request due to the current lack of traffic control at this intersection. The intersection of Call Street and Eighth Avenue is a four-leg residential intersection that is currently uncontrolled. Eighth Avenue is a dirt roadway one block north and south from Call Street. A safe approach speed study was performed revealing a safe approach speed of 6 MPH due a large pine tree located on the northwest this intersection. The combined traffic volumes of both Call Street and Eighth Avenue are estimated to be 250 vehicles per day. A review of the accident records for this intersection indicates there have been no reported accidents from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends the installation of stop signs on Eighth Avenue at the intersection of Call Street due to the low safe approach speed that was determined for this intersection and the limited visibility. Furthermore, it is recommended that the large pine tree on the northwest corner be trimmed to improve the westward visibility at the intersection. 1 April 5, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-09 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: CALL STREET AND EIGHTH AVENUE LOCATION DIAGRAM r BATES ST. V) a w HARRIS ST. GIER PARK us 27 N BANGHART ST. CALL ST. a a o GIER ST. a _ f O J = _ F J z .�. THOMAS ST. 2 w w v) h VANCE ST. ti JHIGH _ ❑TTORANDALL ST.DOUGLLAKE LANSING RD. 2 April 5, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-09 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: CALL STREET AND EIGHTH AVENUE EXISTING AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL AT TIME OF STUDY BATES -� (� ST. ti T r a w HARRIS ST. GIER PARK 27 N 0-BAN ST. CALLT. Z o GIER lJ ST. 0 C3 --O_ O J I 2 J H THOMAS ST. i w w w ti 0-VANCE ST. h ti e z ❑TTO JR. HIGH ERANDALL ST. tit O 2 DOUGLAS AVE. ® ®LAKE LANSING RD. 3 CITY OF LANSING PLANNING & NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT- TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING OFFICE7 OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE TRAFFIC BOARD OF THE CITY OF LANSING !j'j CLCi ;i MEETING OF FEBRUARY 9, 2000 ' " CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Brehob at 6:07 p.m. ROLL CALL Board Members Present: Brehob, Manns, Skillings, Stebbins, and Williams Members Absent: Endres, Foltz, Miner Staff Members: Berridge, Kilpatrick, Silsby VISITORS Mark Michaels, Keith Cook, Betsy Ream, Sal Durso, Tim Ledesma, June Knostman, Elizabeth Boyd, Peter Sullivan, and Peter O'Malley. MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE Skillings moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to grant Endres and Foltz an excused absence. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 ITEMS FOR SUSPENSION OF RULES Mr. Silsby recommended that all items under Reports from the Secretary be considered as Action Items. Skillings moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to consider all items under Reports from the Secretary as Action Items. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Stebbins moved, Manns seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes from the Traffic Board meeting held January 12, 2000. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS 1. Mark Michaels - 1207 Moores River Drive Mr. Michaels is concerned about the loss of parking in the 1200 and 1300 block of Moores River Drive due to the traffic islands. Mr. Michaels states that he does not consider the speed in the 1200 block of Moores River Drive to be excessive. Mr. Michaels would like to see just one traffic island in the 1300 block of Moores River Drive. 2. Keith Cook - 1205 Moores River Drive Mr. Cook is concerned with the speed in the 1200 block of Moores River Drive. He has had damaged done to his home because someone hit it because they were traveling at excessive speeds. Mr. Cook would like to see the traffic slowed down. 3. Betsy Ream - 1303 Moores River Drive Ms. Ream is concerned about the loss of parking in the 1200 and 1300 block of Moores River Drive due to the traffic islands. Ms. Ream is in favor of slowing traffic down, but not at the expense of losing on-street parking. Ms. Ream stated that there is a need for on- street parking for guests and multi-car families that have smaller lots and are unable to accommodate parking. Ms. Ream asked if there is a possibility to either have fewer traffic islands or make them smaller so there won't be as many parking spaces taken out. 4. Sal Durso - 1829 Moores River Drive Mr. Durso thanked the board and the staff for their time and effort into the Moores River Drive speeding problems. Mr. Durso is very concerned about the speeds that people travel on Moores River Drive and is concerned for the safety of not only his children, but of his neighbor's children also. Mr. Durso asked questions about the sidewalk issue from Cambridge to Frances Park. Mr. Durso thought that at the last meeting there was consensus to have the sidewalk put in and feels very strongly that this needs to be done. 5. Tim Ledesma 1219 Moores River Drive Mr. Ledesma stated concerns with the speeds, but would not to see something other than a traffic island in front of his house. 6. June Knostman - Cambridge Ms. Knostman stated that there is a.speeding problem from vehicles coming off of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. turning onto Moores River Drive. Ms. Knostman states that we need more enforcement to control the speed, would like to see a traffic signal on Mt. Hope between Pleasant Grove and Moores River Drive to slow the traffic down. Ms. Knostman feels that we, as a City, needs to implement 21 Century technology of speed enforcement (ie photograph driver and license plate and mail tickets) rather than speed humps. 7. Elizabeth Boyd - 3035 Westchester Ms. Boyd expressed the need for the sidewalk from Cambridge to Frances Park. It is very dangerous to walk in the road because there is not a sidewalk. Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 3 - February 9, 2000 8. Peter Sullivan - 2100 Moores River Drive Mr. Sullivan thanked the Parks & Recreation Department, the Transportation and Parking Office, and the Traffic Board, for all of the hard work that was put into the Moores River Drive report. Mr. Sullivan questioned why the number of traffic islands increased from two (2) to three (3) in the 1200 and 1300 blocks? Mr. Sullivan stated that he is in favor of the modified plan but would like to see fewer speed humps. Mr. Sullivan would also like to see the sidewalk constructed from Cambridge to Frances Park. 9. Peter O'Malley - 1728 Moores River Drive Mr. O'Malley was concerned with the speeds that are traveled on Moores River Drive. He favored the plan that was proposed at Lewton School. Mr. O'Malley suggested that the traffic islands be constructed smaller, and reduce the number of speed humps. Mr. O'Malley would like to see the sidewalk constructed from Cambridge to Frances Park. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. REPORTS FROM THE SECRETARY 1. Traffic Control Request#00-07: Clifford Street and Marcus Street Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Skillings moved, Manns seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install stop signs on Marcus Street and the Hunter Park driveway at the intersection of Clifford Street. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 2. Traffic Control Request#00-08: Fireside Drive and Leawood Drive Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Williams moved, Skillings seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install a stop sign on Fireside Drive at the intersection of Leawood Drive. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 ACTION ITEMS 1. Moores River Drive Corridor Study Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report and discussed the differences between the original plan and the proposed plan. These are the elimination of the traffic circles at the Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page -4 - February 9, 2000 park entrances and a different positioning of the speed humps due to the 600 ft maximum spacing. Mr. Silsby went over the Frances Park Shoreline Improvements Project Schedule. Mr. Silsby stated that the sidewalk issue was separated from the Moores River Drive Corridor Study to move the traffic calming along. Mr. Durso indicated displeasure that the sidewalk was pulled from the recommendation. Mr. Durso felt that there was consensus to put the sidewalk in. Mr. Berridge discussed the City's policies on how sidewalks are installed and the procedures residents and City Administration must follow. Mr. Berridge stated that the report can be modified to state that there is public consensus that for the greater good a sidewalk would be advisable in this area. However, it must also be stated that the adjacent property owners are unwilling to accept the presence of the sidewalk and voluntarily pay for it, and it will take an order by City Council, who has that authority, to install the sidewalk. Mr. Sullivan questioned if the board was voting on the sidewalk issue tonight. Mr. Berridge gave clarification on the sidewalk issue. Ms. Boyd asked whose responsibility to maintain the traffic islands and circles. Mr. Berridge stated that ultimately it is the City's responsibility, but most neighborhoods have adopted these islands for the maintenance. Ms. Bauer asked why speed humps weren't considered in the 1200 & 1300 blocks of Moores River Drive. Mr. Silsby stated that this are may be considered a secondary fire route by the Lansing Fire Department. There was discussion with the board members. Skillings moved, Stebbins seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install traffic islands on Moores River Drive from M.L. King Jr. Boulevard to Park Avenue; install a traffic circle at the intersection of Boston Boulevard/Pattengill Avenue and Moores River Drive; install speed humps on Moores River Drive from Boston Boulevard to Mount Hope Avenue; and install raised crosswalks at appropriate locations along Moores River Drive from Boston Boulevard to Mount Hope Avenue; and that the sidewalk between Cambridge and Frances Park be addressed at the City Council level. Yeas: 5 Nays: 0 TABLED ITEMS None. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS None. OLD BUSINESS None. Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 5 - February 9, 2000 NEW BUSINESS 1. Mr. Williams stated that there is a street sign missing at Stoneleigh and Fireside. 2. Ms. Skillings requested a brief summary of the two-way street conversion meeting. Mr. Brehob gave an overview. Mr. Stebbins stated that he had the impression that most people are in favor of the two-way street conversion. Mr. Silsby stated that a 3,000 piece mailing was sent for the meeting and about thirty (30) people came. 3. Mr. Brehob restated Ms. Bauer's comments and a letter she wrote thanking the board and the Transportation and Parking Office and to appoint a liaison to attend the Public Safety Committee meetings when needed. Mr. Brehob stated that he would go to the meetings, but if he couldn't attend someone else would be asked. He would like a rotation schedule with the other board members. 4. Ms. Skillings asked for the Transportation and Parking Office to be pro-active with the sidewalk issue and the Governor's house and to inform them of what is being proposed. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS 1. Ms. Bauer wanted to thank the Transportation and Parking Office and the Traffic Board for their work and effort and asked that a liaison to attend the Public Safety meeting when requested. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. R spectfully s bmitted, David A. Berridge Secretary c:\wpkdata\trafficVninutes\0200.min March 1, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-05 PARKING REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST: KALAMAZOO STREET METER PLAN The Transportation and Parking Office received a written request to create new on- street parking areas in the vicinity of the Michigan State Library and the Capitol Commons Center that promote parking turn-over because of high demand for parking in the southwestern section of the Central Business District. The Transportation and Parking Office also received a written request to address a sight distance issue for vehicles exiting the Capitol Commons Apartments driveway. The installation of parking meters creates turn-over parking and helps organize and assign parking locations for vehicles. The proposed locations for meter installations are: the north side of Kalamazoo Street, between Pine Street and Butler Boulevard; and the south side of Kalamazoo Street, between Butler Boulevard and Sycamore Street. The proposed parking meter rate is 250 per hour, with a five hour time limit enforced. The current parking regulations in the affected areas are (see Existing Parking Regulations): The North side of KALAMAZOO STREET: no parking from Pine Street to 223 feet west of Pine Street; unrestricted parking from 223 feet west of Pine Street to 333 feet west of Pine Street; no parking from 333 feet west of Pine Street to 63 feet west of Sycamore Street, two hour parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 63 feet west of Sycamore Street to 116 feet west of Sycamore Street; no parking from 116 feet west of Sycamore Street to 219 feet west of Sycamore Street; two hour parking 8:00 AM to 6.00 PM, from 219 feet west of Sycamore Street to 252 feet east of Butler Boulevard; and no parking from 252 feet east of Butler Boulevard to Butler Boulevard. The South side of KALAMAZOO STREET: no parking from Butler Boulevard to 205 feet east of Butler Boulevard; two hour parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 205 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 65 feet west of Sycamore Street; and no parking from 65 feet west of Sycamore Street to Pine Street. 1 March 1, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-05 PARKING REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST: KALAMAZOO STREET METER PLAN The Transportation and Parking Office is proposing to install parking meters (250 per hour meter rate) and to enact the new parking regulations, in the following locations (see Proposed Parking Regulations): The North side of KALAMAZOO STREET: no parking from Pine Street to 205 feet west of Pine Street; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from 205 feet west of Pine Street to 315 feet west of Pine Street; no parking from 315 feet west of Pine Street to 44 feet west of Sycamore Street; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 44 feet west of Sycamore Street to 97 feet west of Sycamore Street; no parking from 97 feet west of Sycamore Street to 201 feet west of Sycamore Street; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 201 feet west of Sycamore Street to 547 feet east of Butler Boulevard; and no parking from 547 feet east of Butler Boulevard to Butler Boulevard. The South side of KALAMAZOO STREET: no parking from Butler Boulevard to 188 feet east of Butler Boulevard; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 188 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 186 feet west of Sycamore Street; no parking from 186 feet west of Sycamore Street to 104 feet west of Sycamore Street; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from 104 feet west of Sycamore Street to 69 feet west of Sycamore Street; no parking from 69 feet west of Sycamore Street to Sycamore Street; and no parking from Sycamore Street to Pine Street. The proposed parking regulation changes allow for the implementation of approximately 24 parking meters on the north side and 22 parking meters on the south side of Kalamazoo Street between Pine Street and Butler Boulevard. Additionally, the State of Michigan has proposed changes to the parking lots along the north side of Kalamazoo Street between Pine Street and Butler Boulevard. These changes will remove Sycamore Street and relocate the access drives for the parking lots. The proposed changes also include a main driveway for the Michigan State Library that has access onto Kalamazoo Street. These changes alter the proposed 2 March 1, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-05 PARKING REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST: KALAMAZOO STREET METER PLAN meter plan along Kalamazoo Street, thus the new regulations for the future proposed design of Kalamazoo Street are as follows (see Future Proposed Parking Regulations): On the North side of KALAMAZOO STREET: no parking from Pine Street to 206 feet west of Pine Street; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from 206 feet west of Pine Street to 454 feet west of Pine Street, no parking from 454 feet west of Pine Street to 546 feet west of Pine Street; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6.-00 PM, from 546 feet west of Pine Street to 537 feet east of Butler Boulevard; no parking from 537 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 435 feet east of Butler Boulevard; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 435 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 335 feet east of Butler Boulevard; and no parking from 335 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 243 feet east of Butler Boulevard; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6.00 PM, from 243 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 188 feet east of Butler Boulevard; and no parking from 188 feet five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 435 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 335 feet east of Butler Boulevard to Butler Boulevard. On the South side of KALAMAZOO STREET: no parking from Butler Boulevard to 188 feet east of Butler Boulevard; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, from 188 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 618 feet east of Butler Boulevard; no parking from 618 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 700 feet east of Butler Boulevard; five hour metered parking 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM from 700 feet east of Butler Boulevard to 735 feet east of Butler Boulevard; no parking from 735 feet east of Butler Boulevard to Pine Street. (These regulations match the proposed changes for the South side.) The future proposed parking regulation changes allow for the implementation of approximately 25 parking meters on the north side and 22 parking meters on the south side of Kalamazoo Street between Pine Street and Butler Boulevard. 3 March 1, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-05 PARKING REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST: KALAMAZOO STREET METER PLAN In addition to better accommodation of the area's parking demand, the proposed meter plan will also assist residents of Capitol Commons apartments as they exit their complex onto Kalamazoo Street. Concerns were raised about the lack of sight distance due to vehicles that were parked too close to the Capitol Commons driveway because of the existing parking patterns in that area. The proposed meter plan will require vehicles on Kalamazoo Street to park further from this driveway, thus increasing the sight distance at this location. This meter plan creates turn-over parking for the office buildings within the area as well as additional parking for visitors to the Michigan State Library. The proposed five hour time limit will satisfy the needs of visitors to the area while discouraging individuals from parking at these locations for an entire day. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends that the metered parking plan as outlined above be approved. 4 March 1, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-05 PARKING REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST: KALAMAZOO STREET METER PLAN LOCATION DIAGRAM WASHTENAW ST, WASHTENAW ST, w N 0 Q LEWIS CASS BLDG. KALAMAZ❑❑ ST. KALAMAZ❑❑ ST. � z LENAWEE ST, w LENAWEE u ST. z 5 March 1, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-05 PARKING REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST: KALAMAZOO STREET METER PLAN EXISTING PARKING REGULATIONS L PINE STREET z 0 Q u r 3 J Z ¢Z W p W r Y F U fn¢Q a a 4 U I I I U W J > tt a W q SYCAMORE STREET %-VALK N Z p N r > p 0 W¢ 4 4 W 3 U f W 4 Z W K N of a 1 a a fq a 4 a 4 u C� a oo w f lJ ¢< 4 � fn a r n Z Cl w p L7^H Y O ZM ¢ Wa iL � � l- 4 a n J 0-d W 4 =of Y Z:fuD o> J 4 H LD Z W 4 r Y 1 N K fm 4 q a Z BUTLER BLVD. --� F 6 March 1, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-05 PARKING REGULATION CHANGE REQUEST: KALAMAZOO STREET METER PLAN PROPOSED PARKING REGULATIONS PINE STREET I z i z 0 x 0 J¢ L) ru> Jz ¢ .W ❑Li r Y J r U N Q A d a ¢ U W .U-.W LJ W q y SYCAMORE STREET x-WALK z oy r- sz> ❑> 3 Z ¢ J¢ w3 F t 7 3 U S W ¢Z W J a > r Y 1 O¢ K h¢ A d¢ Ll a ¢ U r w w r W W � S N Z o u^ Y O Z a, ¢ Y¢ z Ofa ¢ (L O� ¢ _ Y Z U7 r I o�. J¢ uz ¢z> ¢q a Z BUTLER BLVD. --I F .0 D z G) m G) c rn c -� � O z m M 0 p 2 D �. N Z TI O m O cn X NEW MAIN m m NEW STATE LIBRARY NEW STATE NEW STATE Q PARKING LOT PARKING LOT PARKING LOT 00 j c DRIVEWAY DRIVEWAY �1 DRIVEWAY DRIVEWAY � D m rn r Z 0T (n cn A KALAMAZO❑ STREET m Ul A< " r�i t' NO PARKING CAPITOL COMMONS c SERVICE CAPITOL COMMONS '' G m Z ®5 HR PARKING METERS APARTMENTS x DRIVE CENTER Z r r DRIVEWAY D G) D c N O O � Cn Z cn m m rn 3 X N O Z o O CITY OF LANSING PLANNING & NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING OFFICE OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE TRAFFIC BOARD OF THE CITY OF LANSING MEETING OF JANUARY 12, 2000 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Brehob at 6:10 p.m. ROLL CALL Board Members Present: Brehob, Foltz, Miner, Skillings, Stebbins, and Williams Members Absent: Endres, Manns Staff Members: Berridge, Kilpatrick, Silsby VISITORS Lt. John Parks, Mike Garrett MOTIONS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE Foltz moved, Miner seconded, CARRIED, to grant Endres and Manns an excused absence. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 ITEMS FOR SUSPENSION OF RULES Mr. Silsby recommended that all items under Reports from the Secretary be considered as Action Items. Skillings moved, Williams seconded, CARRIED, to consider all items under Reports from the Secretary as Action Items. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 APPROVAL OF MINUTES Williams moved, Stebbins seconded, CARRIED, to approve the minutes from the Traffic Board meeting held November 10, 1999. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 2 - January 12, 2000 PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS 1. Mike Garrett- Demmer Corporation Mr. Garrett would like the parking regulations be changed to no stopping, standing, and parking on the whole street of Porter Street. Mr. Garrett feels that Buck's Auto Shop has plenty of parking available on their property to accommodate their customers and does not feel that we should allow parking on any part of Porter Street. Mr. Garrett stated that the truck traffic is quite heavy and is going to become heavier when they are in full production of the Cadillac Eldorado. Mr. Garrett stated that he has received complaints from his trucks because they get backed up two and three semi's at a time and have difficulty getting down the street. 2. Lt. John Parks - Lansing Police Department Lt. Parks spoken on behalf of Captain Mark Alley who would like to see the loading area moved closer to the railroad tracks, west of the North Precinct driveway. Lt. Parks would like to have a pedestrian crossing be put on May Street. COMMUNICATIONS AND PETITIONS None. REPORTS FROM THE SECRETARY 1. Parking Regulation Request#00-03: Ballard Street and Porter Street Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Skillings moved, Stebbins seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to establish the following parking regulations: North side of Porter Street: no stopping, standing, and parking from Ballard Street to 50 feet west of Ballard Street and no stopping, standing, and parking from 150 feet west of Ballard Street to the dead end west, South side of Porter Street, no stopping, standing, and parking from the dead end east to Ballard Street; East side of Ballard Street: no stopping, standing, and parking from Oakland Avenue to Porter Street; West side of Ballard Street: no stopping, standing, and parking from Porter Street to Oakland Avenue. The board also recommended that the Transportation and Parking Office check the truck turning radius on Porter Street with the proposed parking regulations and make any adjustments necessary. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page - 3 - January 12, 2000 2. Parking Regulation Request#00-047 May Street and Prudden Street Mr. Kilpatrick gave an overview of the report. Mr. Brehob asked if there is enough parking for tenants if we eliminate on street parking. Mr. Kilpatrick stated that all tenants have off street parking. Ms. Skillings asked that visitor parking be marked at the North Precinct. Mr. Kilpatrick stated that they will look at a pedestrian crossing on May Street. Skillings moved, Miner seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to prohibit parking on both sides of Prudden Street between Saginaw Street and May Street and prohibit parking on the south side of May Street west of Prudden Street with a loading zone on the south side of May Street west of Prudden Street to the North Precinct driveway. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 3. Traffic Control Request#00-02: Ferrol Street and Richmond Street Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report and gave the board a letter from Joan DeRose. There was discussion with the board members. Williams moved, Skillings seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install a yield sign on Ferrol Street at the intersection of Richmond Street. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 ACTION ITEMS 1. Traffic Control Request#99-15: Grant Street and Tisdale Avenue Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the report. There was discussion with the board members. Williams moved, Miner seconded, CARRIED, to concur with the Transportation and Parking Office recommendation to install a stop sign at the intersection of Grant Street and Tisdale Avenue requiring all northbound traffic on Grant Street to stop prior to entering its intersection with Tisdale Avenue. Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 TABLED ITEMS None. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. Carol Skillings announced that she will be leaving the Traffic Board in April 2000. 2. Mr. Silsby stated that the second phase of the 2-way street study is under way. Traffic Board Meeting Minutes from Meeting Held Page -4 - January 12, 2000 OLD BUSINESS 1. Mr. Brehob reminded the board that the Traffic Board meetings have been moved to 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C-3 starting February 9, 2000. 2. Ms. Skillings asked what is the status of Eastside Neighborhood Organization. Mr. Silsby stated that he is trying to meet with different individuals from the Eastside Neighborhood Organization to come up with different traffic calming plans. 3. Mr. Kilpatrick updated the board members on putting supplemental signs and pavement markings at Everett High School. Mr. Kilpatrick stated that because it is a time restricted regulation, pavement markings can not be put down. 4. Mr. Brehob asked about the speed hump installation on the south side. Mr. Silsby gave an overview of the post-installation study. 5. Mr. Miner stated that the speeds on Ionia street are still excessive. He believes that the speeds have decreased some since the two way street conversion, but there is a need for traffic calming on Ionia. 6. Mr. Brehob asked about the grant application. Mr. Silsby stated that the application was submitted and will inform the board when the City has been notified. 7. Mr. Brehob asked about Jolly and Dunckel. Mr. Silsby and Mr. Kilpatrick stated that it is in the five year plan and the County is working on it. 8. Mr. Williams asked about the parking near Capitol Commons in the 700 block of Kalamazoo. Mr. Berridge stated that there will be a report at the February 9 meeting. 9. Ms. Skillings asked the status on temporary speed humps on Walnut. Mr. Silsby stated that the petition was given to Mark Hiaeshutter and has not received it back. 10. Ms. Skillings stated that she is pleased that there are bike routes being put in Lansing. NEW BUSINESS 1. Mr. Berridge reminded the board members that there is a Moores River Drive meeting tomorrow night, January 13, 2000. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS None. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m. Rees�peccttfull submitted, David A. Be Aidge Secretary n-\wnlrintn1trnffiMminntacmi nn min January 6, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-07 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: CLIFFORD STREET AND MARCUS STREET The Transportation and Parking Office received a request from Barbara DePascale of 520 Clifford Street to investigate sight distance and traffic control requirements at the intersection of Clifford Street and Marcus Street. Ms. DePascale made this request because there is no control at this intersection and there has been area concern about right-of-way confusion and restricted sight distance at the intersection. The intersection of Clifford Street and Marcus Street is an uncontrolled residential "T intersection. Marcus Street terminates at the intersection of Clifford Street. The eastern entrance to Hunter Park is located opposite of the Marcus Street leg of this intersection. A safe approach speed study was performed revealing a safe approach speed of 13 MPH due to obstructions in the southwest quadrant of the intersection. The traffic volume on Clifford Street is estimated to be 650 vehicles per day (VPD). The traffic volume on Marcus Street is estimated to be 175 VPD. A review of the accident records for this intersection indicates there has been one reported accident from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998. This accident was not due to the uncontrolled nature of this intersection. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends that stop signs be installed on Marcus Street at the intersection of Clifford Street because of the low safe approach speed. A stop sign is also being recommended for vehicles exiting the Hunter Park driveway to maintain uniform operations at this intersection and to eliminate right-of- way confusion. Stop signs are being recommended because of the park driveway. The traffic control must be consistent at the intersection and all traffic must stop prior to entering a public street from private property. 1 January 6, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-07 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: CLIFFORD STREET AND MARCUS STREET LOCATION DIAGRAM KALAMAZ❑❑ ST. 0 0- 0 z � w = J � J a HUNTER PARK Q MARCUS T. � o w = J U ELIZA- BETH T FULLER ST. 6 MAIN ST. 2 January 20, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-08 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: FIRESIDE DRIVE AND LEAWOOD DRIVE The Transportation and Parking Office received a request from Mindy Jones of 2742 Fireside Drive to investigate sight distance and traffic control requirements at the intersection of Fireside Drive and Leawood Drive. Ms. Jones made this request because there is no control at this intersection and there has been area concern about right-of-way confusion at the intersection. Ms. Jones also raised concerns about "cut- through" traffic and speeding near this intersection. The intersection of Fireside Drive and Leawood Drive is an uncontrolled residential "T" intersection. Fireside Drive terminates at the intersection of Leawood Drive. Fireside Drive is 30 feet wide with unrestricted parking on both sides for its entire length. Leawood Drive is 23 feet wide with unrestricted parking on both sides. Leawood Drive is unpaved from Wabash Road to 200 feet south of Narraganset Drive. A safe approach speed study was performed revealing a safe approach speed of eleven (11) MPH due to a hill and a cluster of trees in the southwest quadrant of the intersection. This critical safe approach speed applies to vehicles traveling eastbound into the intersection. The traffic volume on Fireside Drive is estimated to be 150 vehicles per day (VPD). The traffic volume on Leawood Drive is estimated to be 125 VPD. A review of the accident records for this intersection indicates there have been no reported accidents from January 1, 1993 to December 31, 1998. The intersection of Fireside Drive and Leawood Drive is located within Area 31 of the Neighborhood Study/Traffic Calming Program. This area is currently being studied by the Transportation and Parking Office in order to provide a comprehensive traffic calming plan for this neighborhood and to address the issues of"cut-through" traffic and speeding vehicles. The Transportation and Parking Office recommends installation of a stop sign on Fireside Drive at the intersection of Leawood Drive because of the low safe approach speed and to eliminate right-of-way confusion. 1 January 20, 2000 REPORT FROM THE SECRETARY#00-08 TRAFFIC CONTROL REQUEST: FIRESIDE DRIVE AND LEAWOOD DRIVE LOCATION DIAGRAM FOREST RD. 4 � 0 N fr ~ J Q O = TAM MANY V` w o (if w J a w w z 0 Q r cr V) STATEN HAMELON ST. TRUMEN NARRAGANSET DR. CIRCLE CIRCLE N FIRESIDE DR. I v =ROIBINSONRD. o � WABASH DR. 0 a 0 � 3 a w WABASH DR. D a 2 MOORES RIVER DRIVE CORRIDOR STUDY JANUARY 27, 2000 Executive Summary The Neighborhood Study/Traffic Calming program was developed in response to the many requests and concerns that the Transportation and Parking Office receives from the neighborhood residents pertaining to the traffic conditions in their neighborhood. This program allows the review of traffic conditions in the neighborhood as a whole instead of on a location by location basis. The goal of this program is to address traffic conditions that are not appropriate on residential streets. The Transportation and Parking Office conducted extensive data gathering within the Moores River Drive Corridor Study area. The boundaries for this corridor are Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard on the east and Mount Hope Avenue on the south west. Based upon this data, a presentation was given to the neighborhood residents at the Neighborhood Traffic Issues Meeting on November 18, 1999. The purpose of this meeting was to share the baseline data that was collected and to receive resident input on traffic issues and their possible solutions. The Transportation and Parking Office then incorporated the neighborhood comments into the review process. A recommendation for traffic calming measures along the Moores River Drive Corridor was then prepared. This recommendation contained a proposed traffic calming plan (See Figure 2) and other solutions in an attempt to address the issues that were raised at the initial meeting. This recommendation was presented to the neighborhood residents at the Neighborhood Traffic Solutions Meeting on January 13, 2000. Input from this meeting and other City agencies was incorporated into the report, resulting in the final draft of the Neighborhood Study and Traffic Calming Report. Based upon the review of the data and input from the area residents, the following improvements are recommended for this corridor: - Install traffic islands on Moores River Drive from M.L. King, Jr. Boulevard to Park Avenue. - Install a traffic circle at the intersection of Boston Boulevard / Pattengill Avenue and Moores River Drive. - Install speed humps on Moores River Drive from Boston Boulevard to Mount Hope Avenue. - Install raised crosswalks at appropriate locations along Moores River Drive from Boston Boulevard to Mount Hope Avenue. 1 MOORES RIVER DRIVE CORRIDOR STUDY JANUARY 27, 2000 At the Solutions Meeting on January 13, 2000, area residents produced a consensus for the proposed traffic calming plan with a show of hands. The results of this vote indicate a 70-75% consensus for approval of the proposed traffic calming plan. There were approximately 35 residents at this meeting, of which 26 voted in favor of the traffic calming plan as presented is, 5 voted for the plan with possible modifications and no one voted against the proposed plan. A few of the attendees stated that they were not going to vote because they did not live on Moores River Drive and were only present for informational purposes. In addition to this public meeting, area residents were given the opportunity to contact the Transportation and Parking Office by telephone or by returning comment sheets from the either of the two mailings. The returned comment sheets and phone calls did not specifically support or oppose the proposed traffic calming plan. Contrary to their initial recommendation, the City of Lansing's Parks and Recreation Department has requested that the traffic circles at the entrances to Frances Park be removed due to concerns about buses and maintenance. This change is documented in the most recent version of the traffic calming plan (See Figure 1). The circles were removed and therefore the spacing of the other measures was changed, or additional speed humps were placed, in the plan. At the Solutions Meeting, the Transportation and Parking Office presented a sidewalk solution that was feasible, cost effective and within the City right-of-way. However, sufficient area support was not documented to move forward with additional sidewalk implementation at this time. The Transportation and Parking Office introduced the concept of bicycle lanes along Moores River Drive at the Issues Meeting on November 18, 1999. There was no documented support by the residents to pursue the bicycle lanes along this corridor. One resident expressed concerns associated with bicycle maneuvering through the proposed traffic calming measures. The Transportation and Parking Office staff met with the individual and addressed the issues to his satisfaction. These recommended improvements for the Moores River Drive Corridor will be undertaken by upon adoption of the report by the Lansing City Council after the review and approval by the Traffic and Planning Boards, the Mayor, and the Public Safety Committee. 2 ure 1. — Revised Traffic Calming Plan (February 3, 2000) 400res River Drive Corridor Study O CITY OF LANSINGS R PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES TRAFFIC CIRCLE T. / SPEED HUMP J / ® RAISED CROSSWALK ABINGTON PULMKI d TRAFFIC ISLAND � � b [ANTERBURY C ❑ ❑ FRANCES PARK PROPOSED SIDEWALK ~ COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE Q t�S > EIL:J L7 COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE N VINDSOR -{ El F----1 TH CAMBRI QUENTIN ElPARK I BARKS DOVER i A 4' A IBERTON ST. Oa" �p4 �Z N a POTOMAC DR. G®RICH ST. V. MT. HOPE AVE. V. MT. HOPE AVE MT. HOP£ AVE. J:\TRANSPOR\CAD files\Area 17\Area 17(Measures2).dwg ;ure 2. - Conceptual Traffic Calming Plan (Presented at the January 13, 2000 Solutions Meeting) doores River Drive Corridor CITY OF LANSING DER Ra PROPOSED TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES / R ® TRAFFIC CIRCLE / ® SPEED HUMP RAISED CROSSVALK ABDCT13H PULASIG ST. �2 i TRAFFIC ISLAND °� ❑ ❑ CAMTERBU2Y W Y PRANCES PARK PROPOSED SIDEVALK ti 3 J COIIRRY CLUB mLE coURSE ❑ ❑ 3 �� � a HAMMQID ST. V CQMTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE N VMIDSM EDVARD TH CAMM MOVER ot�H ` El BARNES A MTQN T � f POTdNC r�n-cH sT. V. MT.HOPE AVE. V. MT.HOPE AVER MT.HOPE AVE J:\TRANSPOR\CAD files\Area 17\Area 17(Meaeure9).dwg February 29, 2000 Note to File CAVANAUGH ROAD AND DUNCKEL ROAD Mr. Landry made peak hour observations and collected traffic volume and accident data at the intersection of Cavanaugh Road and Dunckel Road. These observations and results of data collection are summarized below. The intersection of Cavanaugh and Dunckel Roads is non-traditional "T" intersection. Cavanaugh Road intersects Dunckel Road at a skewed angle. Cavanaugh Road is a two lane road (one lane in each direction). Dunckel Road is also a two lane road. Dunckel Road runs from Collins Road to Jolly Road and provides access to the U.S. 127/1-496 freeway ramps, located northeast of this intersection. This freeway access contributes to a high percentage of the traffic that travels through this intersection. Accident records were reviewed for the intersection of Cavanaugh and Dunckel Roads for the period from January 1, 1994 to December 31, 1998. There were 13 reported accidents at this location during the above reporting period of which 5 were right angle accidents. Right angle accidents are potentially correctable with the installation of a traffic signal. The estimated traffic volume on Cavanaugh Road is 4,725 vehicles per day (2,550 westbound and 2,175 eastbound). The estimated traffic volume on Dunckel Road 17,400 vehicles per day (10,475 southbound and 6,925 northbound). The traffic volumes approaching the intersection of Cavanaugh and Dunckel Roads do meet the MMUTCD's minimum traffic volumes for four hours of the average day (see attached signal warrant graphs). The MMUTCD's minimum volume warrant for signal installation requires that the warrant volumes be met or exceeded for eight hours of an average day. Based on the current volumes at this intersection, this warrant has not been satisfied. Field observations revealed some delay to eastbound left turning vehicles on Cavanaugh Road due to the combination northbound and southbound traffic on Dunckel Road. At this time delay to vehicles on Cavanaugh Road is not unusually high. As a result of this study and discussions between Mr. Landry and Mr. Berridge the following actions were recommended: 1) Realign Cavanaugh Road so that it intersects perpendicularly with Dunckel Road; 2) Construct separate turn lanes on Cavanaugh Road at the intersection to reduce delay for right turning vehicles blocked by left turning vehicles waiting for a gap to turn; 3) Construct a continuous three lane cross-section roadway on Dunckel Road from Jolly Road north to 150 - 200 ft north of Trappers Cove. 1 Note to File February 29, 2000 CAVANAUGH ROAD AND DUNCKEL ROAD At this time, the installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Cavanaugh and Dunckel Roads is not recommended for the following reasons: 1)The current volumes on Cavanaugh Road do not meet the MMUTCD minimum volume warrant; 2) The majority of the accidents that have occurred at this location are not potentially correctable by signalizing the intersection; 3) The delay at the present time is not excessive. Furthermore, if Cavanaugh Road is realigned, it is recommended that it is constructed as close to Trappers Cove as physically and financially possible if signalization is going to be considered in the future. 2 06M Administrator FOR BOARD MEMBERS February 2000 Vol. 16, No. 6 Editor:Jeff Stratton Are your planning efforts "mission-focused?" board's strategic planning efforts "The extra review and feedback on our for the nonprofit should be a joint plan helped us make sure it wasn't created Planning tip Aeffort between the administrator in a fishbowl,"says Scheibel. "This and his or her staff, and the board. review helped us keep everything focused Board Member Debra J. Scheibel on our mission. We were able to hear (Whittier, CA) says that before the board their thoughts on what they wanted for put its stamp of approval on the strategic the organization and how we can help plan, they also sought a review by sup- them. We work for them, and their input porters and constituents. was helpful in helping us determine needs. What a terrific way to ensure that "It took a little extra time and effort, planning efforts are "mission-focused!" but it was well worth it." ■ Board time is valuable, so make the most of it! n Illinois board member has some nizing that once a motion passes or sound insights into making sure fails, that's it—the board's business is Meeting Athat the time a board spends in done," he says. "When a board management meetings is spent wisely: member struggles to leave an issue, 1) Be assertive about watching the our board chairperson will meet with clock. "It's important that the board him or her after a meeting and point chairperson and administrator plan out that the discussion is done. The meetings ahead of time," he says. discussion isn't about personalities, "One thing they do that the board it's just a matter of focusing on the appreciates is put time limits on next issue." discussion items—then it's up to 4) Evaluate your board's performance board members to stick to them." in time management each year. 2) Limit repetitive comments. "We "When we do our board self-evalua- have discussions among board mem- tion each year, the board chairperson bers to avoid repeating what other reminds everyone to stick to issues board members say. Our approach is and keep from wandering from the to simply point out agreement with agenda." what the previous speaker said, rather An Arizona board member points out than rehashing the point." that it really takes individual board 3) Don't revisit settled issues. "Some board members have difficulty recog- continued on next page Advising administrators and boards in the U.S.and Canada for 15 years. WWW address: http://,vww.aspenpubIishers.com 0 2000,Aspen Publishers,Inc. REPRODUCTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN WHOLE OR PART IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Continued from previous page member commitment to value time. questions about an issue answered "At a board retreat, we decided to either by the board chair or the limit the length of our meetings," she administrator prior to the meeting. says. "Individual board members are When questions are answered in the key to this. They know that they advance, our discussions are more must come prepared for meetings. direct." ■ "One thing that helps is getting their Three ways for a board chair to praise the administrator oards should never forget to thank board," says Board Chair Bobbie their administrator for a job well- Scannell (Albuquerque, NM). Board Bdone. I think it's an area of board 2) Written praise. "For a big success, I chairperson's service that the board's chairperson write a letter of appreciation," she role should ensure gets handled. says. . Here are some easy ways to do this: 3) Regular performance reviews. "We 1) Recognition at board meetings. "If do a six-month and a year-end review. something positive happened since These can have pay increases at- the last board meeting, I recognize the tached to them." ■ administrator verbally in front of the Board taboos: Common examples of improper board member conduct n my years as The Board Doctor®, I've member to obtain special privileges come across many examples of boards or favors from the organization for that have veered off track. oneself or relatives. (Examples: Generally, the root cause of trouble on influencing hiring decisions, interven- a board can be traced back to this: Board ing in the jobs of staff.) members who do not understand that an • Issuing orders to the administrator or individual board member has authority to staff or otherwise managing the day-to- act only as a member of the full board. day operations of the nonprofit. Here are some common examples of • Reprimanding or criticizing the actions by an individual board member administrator or his or her staff. If which are improper. criticism is called for, take the matter • Violating the confidentiality of the up with the board chairperson who can deliberations of the board. communicate it to the administrator. • Second-guessing board decisions The board member, board chair and with which one does not agree. administrator should meet together to When debate has ended and the board discuss any issues. votes, every member must support the • Undermining the authority of the majority decision. If you can't, consid- administrator through improper er resignation. communication with staff members. ■ • Using one's position as a board -- )d to,Boa.- i-rd- & FOR BOARD MEMBERS March 2000 Vol. 16, No. 7 Editor: Jeff Stratton Board's Accountability Committee ensures efficient operations, suggests improvements ouldn't you like to see your board members have difficulties express- board operate a little bit better? ing their views openly as the board works Board Member Dagmar out its priorities. Survey "Woody"Murphy(Albany,NY) tells me "This survey helps us during the budget determines that the board's Accountability Commit- process," says Murphy. "For many board's budget tee helps board operations run smoothly. organizations, passing a budget is a tug of priorities This committee's mission statement war. Everybody has their priorities." states: "The Accountability Committee The survey is completed anonymously serves to assist the board in carrying out by board members. It is not a public its duties in the most effective and effi- document and is discussed in executive cient manner. The committee annually session. The Accountability Committee reviews board operating procedures and and administrator review and modify a committee structure, and makes recom- draft of the survey before board members mendations to the board for operational complete it to ensure that it reflects the change." current goals and priorities of the organi- The Accountability Committee's major zation. functions include, develop an annual board self-evaluation; review board agenda and operating procedures; review "For many organizations, board operating procedures, including passing a budget is a tug of committee structure; develop an annual board budget survey; and orientation of war. Everybody has their new board members. priorities." A good example of the Accountability Committee's work is the survey to deter- When they complete the survey,board mine the board's budget priorities. This members assign a degree of importance on annual, confidential, survey is an internal a one to five scale to various items in five board planning document. It helps the categories: 1) Program, 2) Buildings and board and administrator create a budget Grounds, 3) Budget, 4) Transportation that reflects board members views and and 5) Board Development. generates full board support for the A statement under Buildings and budget. Grounds,for example, reads "Current There's sound logic at work in asking the board to complete the survey confi- dentially. Budgets are political. Some continued on next page Advising administrators and boards in the U.S.and Canada for 15 years. WWW address: http://www.aspenpublishers.com ©2000,Aspen Publishers,Inc. REPRODUCTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN WHOLE OR PART IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Continued from previous page level funding for building improvements/ board and administrator." maintenance." The final document uses rating scales Under the "Budget" category, board to tell the board where it stands on budget members are asked to rank their support priorities. For each category, the board for initiatives such as increasing user fees can see how many board members sup- for the organization's services, contracting port the item. out staff functions like cleaning and data "We find the survey very useful," says collection, and continuing membership in Murphy. "There is no point in going after professional organizations. something that is dead in the water, "We give board members a time frame according to survey results. It saves us to complete and return the survey," says from spinning our wheels and helps us Murphy. "Surveys are returned to me as create a budget that reflects our organiza- the chair of the Accountability Committee tion's needs." ■ and I compile the results to share with the Two strategies help board advocate 've always said that a board has four examples that demonstrate the board's key responsibilities to a nonprofit: 1) commitment to advocacy. Selecting an administrator; 2) Plan- ning; 3) Monitoring the organization's performance; and 4) Serving as an advo- cate for the organization. myths about nonprofit's The fourth responsibility, advocacy, is program one that I think many boards can do a better job with. Fortunately, it's not that difficult! tors. "Board members write to our Communication with state legisla- tors.Chairperson Cheryl S. McFad- den(Rock Hill, SC) shares two good state's legislators to communicate the issues that affect our organization and our stance on them," says McFadden. Sometimes, a boa vel needs to throw out the "We feel that by writing personal letters, we can give our elected officials formalities! insight and knowledge about the effect of their decisions." oard meetings can be pretty cut and dried affairs. After all, Develop an educational video about Bthey're business meetings. But Board Member Margaret • Wheeler(Camden,NJ) makes a good point about mixing in some the . "We're nonprofit'sservices and pro- informal board activities that help build a stronger board. grams. W re doing this to dispel some of the myths and stereotypes that "We try to do two social meetings each year to help board members surround mental health," she says. get to know each other better,"she says. "We only see each other "The purpose of the tape is educational at board meetings,so we build the socials around the board's and we use it during some of our meetings." nonprofit's events." Here are some other advocacy activities Two examples: The board will have a holiday season dinner board members can try to spread the (spouses invited) and also schedules a summer picnic. "We have a word about their nonprofit's mission: brief business meeting and then dinner and social time,"says Participate in a nonprofit's "speaker's Wheeler. "These events help us to get to know each other as bureau," membership and participation people, and not just as board members." in local service clubs, attendance at your nonprofit's special events. ■ Boar ._. - S Ad- _. ato r FOR BOARD MEMBERS October 1998 Vol. 15, No. 2 Editor: Jeff Stratton Does your board have a code of conduct? It should ! s a board member, your obligation personal gain and ensuring that the needs extends beyond just making sure of those the organization serves are met. your nonprofit meets legal stan- Funders might dards. Because of your leadership role in require a board the organization, you're also expected to A code of conduct lists the code of conduct meet high standards of personal conduct.. expectations that board That's why many boards have a code of conduct—and why many funders now members must meet if the require one for the organizations they board is to operate fund. effectively. A code of conduct lists the expectations that board members must meet if the board is to operate effectively. Behind the Many nonprofit boards make a code of board room doors, the code reminds conduct part of their bylaws or operating board members that the organization's principles, while public boards generally mission takes precedence over their make the code a board policy, personal agendas. If your board doesn't have a code of A code of conduct is different from a conduct, I recommend that it adopt one code of ethics because it guides how board now. Ask your administrator for a copy of members interact among themselves and the code of conduct I've included in this with the organization's staff, especially in newsletter, then initiate a discussion on the decision-making process. For this this important matter. You'll be glad you reason, a code of ethics addresses things did! ■ like conflicts of interest, not serving for Pass this practical advice on to your new board leaders erving as board chairperson for the bilities like managing the board, running first time can be an unnerving meetings and making committee assign- experience for anyone. After all, ments. the job is fraught with weighty responsi- continued on next page Advising administrators and boards in the U.S.and Canada for 15 years. WWW address: http:/hvww.aspenpubIishers.com ©1998,Aspen Publishers,Inc. REPRODUCTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN WHOLE OR PART IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. B&A ForIMembers Continued from previous page Veteran Board Chair Paul Rohrer spend an hour reviewing the agenda. Tips on board (Smithville, OII) passes along this advice The administrator's support helps me leadership to make the new board leader's job easier: get organized and put everything • Build working relationships with together. And both of us get a feel for other board members and the admin- how things will develop during the istrator. "This is your first priority," meeting." says Rohrer. "You need to remember I(eep the community informed. "You that the full board elected other board not only need to build relationships members to their positions, and you within the board, but into the commu- have an obligation to work with them." nity as well," he says. "It's important • Meet regularly with the administra- that when there is news,it goes from tor. "Before each board meeting, we the board to the community." ■ Make sure you know about progress on the strategic plan oards that plan strategically for Rapids,MN) shares a strategy for making their nonprofits' futures are smart. sure that the board is on top of staff's They're concerned with what's best progress on the strategic plan. for those the organization serves and with "The board requested that every time doing what's necessary now to ensure the administrator reports on a success or continued success in the future. a challenge that he tie it to our strategic There's a thing about plans, though. plan," says Carroll. Once you write them, it's easy to let them "Now as we work toward our goals, the gather dust. And that's a waste of time, board and the community can see how not to mention board and staff effort. we're moving forward." ■ Board Member Mike Carroll (Park Advice to new members getting ready for that first board meeting oard Member Karen Faber (Colum- the first time, I wanted to know some- bia, SC) offers some great tips on thing about my colleagues. helping new board members get "So I visited the administrator in her ready for their first board meeting, office and asked her about other board They'll fit in nicely with the orientation members. I learned who they are and your administrator gives new board what they did. This made it easier for members. Here's what she suggests: me to get to know them." • I(now the nonprofit's philosophy and • Know who key staff members are. mission. "It's important to review and Get the administrator to tell you about buy into the board's goals," says Taber. staff the board works most closely with. • Do some personal marketing. "I'm in What are their responsibilities? marketing and believe in the value of "Then you're ready to focus on, and doing your homework," says Faber. start applying, the strengths you bring to "Before I went into the board room for the board," she says. 0 B -a oAd-m i fl, S 11n_1 tr a. .., 'r FOR BOARD MEMBERS July 2000 Vol. 16, No. 11 Editor: Jeff Stratton How should a board tackle the issue of the nonprofit CEO's compensation? ately,I've heard a lot from board conditions and expectations vary greatly members who are heading up from one area to the next. search committees at their organi- But here are some factors I believe zation seeking to find a new administra- boards should consider when considering tor. a raise for their CEO: "Our administrator left for a job with a • How is the organisation doing? I've for-profit business in the community,"is taken calls from frustrated nonprofit Consider these becoming a familiar refrain. executives who inherited a sizable factors when A sizzling economy and tight labor budget deficit, and have turned it into a determining market have made things attractive for job surplus. Yet, their boards are still executive seekers. Businesses covet skilled manag- paying them$10,000 less per year than compensation ers, and the higher salaries they offer can they paid the administrator who left tempt nonprofit staff to move into that the organization in the red. sector. And these days, the management Pay attention to the organisation's shills needed in top positions at for profits budget sine. As it gets larger, so should and nonprofits are essentially inter- the administrator's salary. changeable—leadership, public relations, Don't treat your CEO like other staff. marketing, information technology, There are boards out there who ap- human resources and business acumen. prove an overall staff compensation Foundations that fund nonprofit increase of X%for a given fiscal year, organizations have taken notice. "When and then argue that this figure applies the nonprofit's administrator leaves the to all staff—including the CEO. I don't organization, as a funder we question the buy that. effect on program continuity and worry Keep in mind these things about your about the turmoil that comes with the administrator's responsibilities: He or search for a new executive," says Execu- she is a professional and the chief tive Director Greg Cantori (The Knott executive officer of your organization. Foundation, Baltimore,MD). The administrator is the visible head of Your board's retention strategy for the organization. His or her compensa- keeping a quality nonprofit executive tion should reflect the high level of needs to consider his or her compensa- responsibility and authority the board tion. has given him or her. There's no hard and fast rule for How large is your organisation? determining how much of a raise a nonprofit CEO deserves—economic continued on next page Advising administrators and boards in the U.S.and Canada for 15 years. WWW address: http://www.aspenpublishers.coni O 2000,Aspen Publishers,Inc. REPRODUCTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN WHOLE OR PART IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. B&A For Board Members Continued from previous page Generally speaking, the bigger the Board&Administrator's annual report nonprofit, the bigger the job, and the on nonprofit executive compensation to higher the executive's compensation. see how your executive is compensated • Benchmark. Use salary surveys like compared to others. ■ Board Alumni CouF61 provides sounding board oard Chairperson Dick Brock that covers the next three years." (Gaston, IN) says that a Board 2) Informal advice on board issues. Alumni Council, composed of "I'll rely on former board members for Don't overlook former board members, provides the advice,"he says. "It's a chance for me this resource! current board with good advice. to tap a resource who's been through By virtue of their experience, all former the board experience and is willing to board members become Board Alumni share what he learned." Council members. The alumni council Advice can range from matters like helps the board in two key ways: meeting management,roles and 1) Input and feedback on the budget responsibilities of board members and and capital projects list. "Once a working through difficult issues as a year,we invite the alumni council in board. "It's particularly helpful for for a session to go over the budget," our board to be able to tap former says Brock. "It's particularly helpful members for advice because we have to get their input on our capital a variety of experience levels on the projects list, which is generally a plan current board," says Brock. ■ Maximize meeting time with these tree tips f your board spends more time authority. "Our thinking is that we haggling over what type of computer studied the year's purchases when we system the executive director should approved the budget and we shouldn't purchase than approving a million dollar have to spend time reviewing them." Concentrate on budget, than you have mixed up priorities. 3) Be systematic on policy develop- board priorities A New Mexico board member says her ment. The board member says her board makes the most of its meeting time board doesn't rush new issues into a by following these three steps: finished policy at a single board 1) Use a consent agenda. Any items meeting. When a new policy is that can be approved by the board needed, the board sends the issue to without significant discussion or its administrator and his staff for further information like monthly bills study. The CEO then brings the and routine contracts are put on the board information and options for a consent agenda. new policy. "Then, with one motion, all items on After the board discusses the options, the consent agenda are approved the policy heads back to the adminis- without discussion. Anyone can, trator for a final draft to incorporate however, request an item to be the board's discussion. Then, the removed from the consent agenda and policy is formally approved by the placed on our regular agenda." board, says the New Mexico board 2) Don't nit-pick the CEO's spending member. ■ Board- & r--T7 !- f D .i 2: 12 A- d- FOR BOARD MEMBERS August 2000 Vol. 16, No. 12 Editor: Jeff Stratton Low-cost, low-key retreat works well etreats have always been helpful to her house and provides a meal," she says. boards and their administrators. "We find that this gives us an opportu- They're a nice forum for strategic nity to share ideas and plan in a relaxed planning, while also giving board members setting, without busting the budget." and the administrator a chance to bond. Other ideas for low-cost retreat set- While it's nice to "get away from it all" tings: for a retreat, board members are always • Space at a board member's place of genuinely concerned about spending business. Use the board member's precious dollars on board getaways, connections to arrange for free or low- especially those that require an out-of- cost rental. town trip to a pricey resort or lodge. • Local organizations. Churches, civic Board Member Nancy Dashner(Frazee, clubs, libraries or community centers MN) says her board takes a low-cost, are often willing to let nonprofit organi- relaxed approach to its annual retreat. "A zations use their space for meetings. ■ board member hosts the retreat at his or Nonprofit CEO as [hoard member: Pros/Cons as your board ever considered a and the traditional governance model are title change for your executive still far and away the most common in the director? Some nonprofit boards sector, the for-profit corporate model is are moving to a model that is more in line one that appears to be slowly gaining with what corporate for-profit boards use. some credence. Why? Under this model, the executive direc- 1. It can increase decision-making Three reasons for or administrator becomes the Presi- efficiency. The President/CEO has for a new dent/CEO of the nonprofit, and a member the responsibility for signing contracts governance of the board, while the board president and making other business arrange- governance the board chairperson. ments. Previously, these responsibili- Some boards make this change because ties required board approval. they figure their administrator already has 2. More stature in the community. This a big stake in the organization. The title applies to both the organization and change then becomes a way to recognize its President/CEO. Most businesses this tangibly, by bringing the nonprofit's readily recognize the title President/ CEO onto the governance team. While the title "Executive Director" continued on next page Advising administrators and boards in the U.S.and Canada for 15 years. WWW address: http://wwNv.aspenpublishers.com ©2000,Aspen Publishers,Inc. REPRODUCTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN WHOLE OR PART IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. B&A For Board Continued from previous page CEO, whereas executive director should make lightly: the legality in doesn't have the same recognition. your state needs to be verified, bylaws 3. Easier to get meeting quorums. The need to be changed, and the board President/CEO, as a board member needs to work out such matters as the with a vote, counts toward achieving a CEO's evaluation and raise proce- quorum. No small thing for boards dures to avoid conflicts of interest. that struggle to have a quorum (and If it's strictly for appearances, it's not fairer to board members who always really worth making the change. But make it to board meetings.) it may be a change worth discussing It's not a change nonprofit boards with your nonprofit's executive. ■ Board Member Code of Ethics he following sample Board Member reviews it at the first board meeting it Code of Ethics is based on one that holds each year. New board members an Altamonte Springs, Florida receive their orientations at this meeting, board uses. I like the fact that this board and it gives board veterans a reminder. ■ Board Member Code of Ethics As a Member of the XYZ Board, I will: • Listen carefully and respectfully to other board members • Respect the opinions of others • Respect and support the majority decisions of the board • Recognize that authority is only vested in the full board when it meets in legal session • Keep informed of developments relevant to issues that may come before the board • Participate actively in board and committee meetings • Bring to the attention of the board any issues that may adversely affect the organization or those we serve • Interpret the needs of those we serve to the organization and the organization's actions to those we serve • Refer complaints to the proper level of our chain of command • Understand that my job is to see that the organization is well-managed,not to manage the organization • Represent everyone this organization serves,not a particular interest group or geographic area • Act as a trustee of this organization and work carefully to ensure that it is well-maintained,fiscally secure,growing and operating in the best interests of those we serve • Declare any conflict of interest between my personal life and my position on the board and abstain from voting when appropriate As a Member of the XYZ Board, I will not: • Criticize fellow board members or the nonprofit executive, either in or out of the board room • Use the organization for my personal advantage,or that of my friends,business associates or family members • Discuss the confidential workings of the board outside the board room • Promise how I will vote prior to a meeting • Interfere with the nonprofit CEO's duties,in day-to-day management,or undermine his or her authority with staff members Signature: Date: Source: Executive Director Gilda Culberson,Mtamonte Springs, Florida. Bo . d__ Ad-minist-_ :off' FOR BOARD MEMBERS September 2000 Vol. 17, No. 1 Editor: Jeff Stratton How can board members help with -she organization's strategic planninj process? lanning is a key board policy strengths and weaknesses. What responsibility. One reason that does your nonprofit do well? What strategic planning is so important can it do better? When answering for boards is that a plan gives the execu- these two questions, consider issues tive director direction. like: staffing, facilities, programs, A plan tells the administrator the areas public image and funding. that the board wants to focus on. One 3. An assessment of external opportu- Four key steps to example is creating a program that nities and threats to growth. Exam- developing a reflects changes in community demo- ine the opportunities and strategic plan graphics. impediments each of the following Case in point: Predictions are that by presents to your nonprofit: changing 2025, schools will not only be educating demographics, social or cultural many more students who don't know trends, new legislation, changes in English, but that they will also serve many local leadership, economic trends, transient students who attend the school funding patterns, and new develop- system for only a short time. ments in your field. This presents obvious planning issues 4. Community input into the planning to these nonprofit boards, their adminis- process. To serve the community, trators and communities: staffing issues board members must learn and to teach non-English speaking students, understand what the community likes building space issues depending on how a and dislikes about the nonprofit and community is affected by transient its services. That's how you can populations, etc. determine the community's priorities. The best way for any type of board to One method is through a written face up to an uncertain future is through survey of the community. It can be strategic planning. To begin the planning done by staff under the direction of process, start with these four steps: the administrator who can then report 1. A review of your organization's the results to the board. history. What are the nonprofit's Many boards also involve their com- origins, and how has it come to be munities throughout the planning what it is today. It's an important process and in the development of the question to ask, because it puts board plan's goals and objectives. They, members and the executive director encourage community representation on the same planning wavelength. 2. A survey of your organization's continued on next page Advising administrators and boards in the U.S.and Canada for 15 years. WWW address: http://Nvww.aspenpublishers.com ©2000,Aspen Publishers,Inc. REPRODUCTION OF THIS NEWSLETTER IN WHOLE OR PART IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. MW B&A ForBoard Members. Continued from previous page on planning committees and generate often the better part of a year. But it's a plan that truly reflects community a necessary step toward ensuring a priorities. sound future for your organization. ■ The planning process takes time, Change is a fact of life for nonprofits—the key is in how you respond to it! ere's how other nonprofit board if we're not comfortable with that role." members face change at their The rate of change for nonprofits is organizations: rapid and boards need to improve • The board needs to understand and themselves. "The need for board buy into the organization's mission. members to be properly educated about How does your As funding sources dry up and the their nonprofit's field is greater than board react to competition for money gets stiffer, it ever," says Board Member Mike Nolan change? puts increased pressure on a nonprofit. (Bay Shore,NY). "The board's nomi- "That leads to different roles for board nating committee should also be active members," says a Michigan board and consider industry factors in its member. "It means we need to take on decision making. Ours meets six time a the role of proactive fund raisers, even year to answer questions like, `Who do or will we need to replace and who should we be considering for a seat on the board?" Continuing education activities Assess who you are and where you're for board members going. "When your industry is chang- ing rapidly, a board needs to set aside There is so much to learn as a board member. Build on what time each year in a retreat-type setting you already know by committing to some of these board to assess where you're heading," says development topics and approaches: Nolan. "You can't build on your past or do any crystal ball thinking if you don't • Fund board education. Put a line item for board development in make time to do this." the budget. Don't neglect the forest while study- • Attend your state's annual conference. ing the trees. "Board members who • Build regular board development into your meeting agenda. struggle with change are the ones who • Visit another organization to meet the board and administrator, „ don't see the full picture, says Board and discuss challenges,concerns. Member Annajane Kriehevsky(Nipo- • Participate in your state association's workshops designed specifically for board members. mo, CA). • Regularly read board-focused materials,like Board& Here's an example: Let's say your Administrator. organization is dependent on a big fund • Ask your administrator which educational areas the board would raiser that's facing increased local benefit from. competition for the dollar. By getting • Create an annual calendar of board education activities. This too attached to that fundraiser's past should be a full board activity. success, you're likely to panic instead • 'Make board education/development a board goal,e.g. "In 2001, of thinking long-term about how to the board will conduct a board self-evaluation,schedule 15 replace those funds. Spend your time minutes of each meeting for an education session and participate thinking about new fund raisers, so that in the XYZ association annual conference." when you need to make a change, you're prepared to do so. 0