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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-25-2024 Street & Traffic Control Committee Minutes STATE OF ALABAMA )( : COUNTY OF BALDWIN )( The Street & Traffic Control Committee met at 2:00 p.m., Mayor’s Conference Room, 161 North Section Street, Fairhope, Alabama 36532 on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Present: Councilmember Jack Burrell, Richard Johnson, Hunter Simmons, Mike Jeffries, Chief Stephanie Hollinghead, George Ladd, Jennifer Olmstead; Natalie Fonseca took the minutes. The meeting was called to order at 2:00 p.m. Minutes from the June 6, 2023, meeting were approved and submitted on a motion by Councilman Jack Burrell, seconded by Hunter Simmons; none opposed. First on the agenda was a study follow-up for the intersection of Fairhope Avenue and Ingleside Streets. Richard Johnson stated he needed to follow up with Neel-Schaffer any response, since it was identified that they identified several intersections that needed improvement from a safety and functionality standpoint. Mike Jeffries asked what was recommended from the 2012 study. Mr. Johnson stated an offset roundabout at the location along with land acquisition. Councilman Burrell said it would be wise to look at, especially regarding first responder vehicles. Chief Hollinghead stated we would continue to go along with the study. Richard Johnson stated planning dollars would need to be considered for the location. Hunter Simmons mentioned conducting another study, since the most recent was over a decade ago. No motion needed. Richard Johnson to meet with the mayor to suggest a budget to be brought forth for a new study. Richard Johnson stated that the previously approved project on Mershon St is still in queue and will be completed as soon as they can get to it. George Ladd stated Richard Johnson has drawings, but he needs to get with him about implementing since we have a better concrete crew and concrete contractor. Councilman Jack Burrell asked if it’s already been approved, but just needs to be completed. He received a yes from the committee. Mike Jeffries asked about an estimated time frame for completion. George Ladd stated within two (2) months. The committee discussed the traffic study for N Ingleside St. between Gayfer Ave. and Cedar Ave. The location is a 25-mph zone with the mean speed being 24.8 mph, which does not warrant a speed calming device. Requesting stop signs at Audubon Place and Cedar Ave., just south—one (1) block away from the dead end. Councilman Jack Burrell stated the study is very good based on the location. Hunter Simmons mentioned the traffic study consisted of almost 7,000 vehicles. Hunter Simmons and Councilman Jack Burrell had a brief discussion on the topic. No actionable items. Hunter Simmons made a motion that the stop signs at Ingleside St. and Cedar Ave. are not warranted; seconded by Mike Jeffries, all in favor, none opposed. The committee discussed the request for a traffic triangle at the intersection of Summit St. and Nichols Ave. The committee had a brief discussion on the topic. Councilman Jack Burrell stated it was already presented as a recommendation to the Council and the Council decided not to proceed which was leaning towards no action. Councilman Burrell stated he felt this Street & Traffic Committee does not need to make another recommendation, since there’s already one. Chief Hollinghead said it can wait, and Councilman Burrell stated it was old business, no motion need, per Jennifer Olmstead. Jennifer Olmstead stated there was a request received from the mayor’s office pertaining to rediscussing the 15 mph speed limit along with moving the speed limit sign back from its original location. The committee discussed moving the speed limit sign in the downtown area from Fairwood Blvd. to move closer towards downtown. Councilman Burrell spoke about the Streets & Traffic Control Committee Tuesday, June 25, 2024 Page - 2 resolution stating the CBD. Mike Jeffries mentioned the CBD starts near the new development at the Portico of Fairhope. Chief Hollinghead clarified that the request is strictly to move the speed limit sign closer to the CBD. The proposed location would move the sign within approximately 250 feet. Mike Jeffries made a motion for no changes regarding the location of the sign; seconded by Hunter Simmons; none opposed. A request was received from the Bike & Pedestrian Committee for a South Mobile Street crossing at Elks Lodge and American Legion. Mike Jeffries stated there is a sidewalk on the bay side of the street, but there is nothing on the opposite for the crosswalk to connect to for a safe landing. Richard Johnson stated the crosswalk must land at an ADA approved landing. The committee discussed options for the location. George Ladd and Richard Johnson will create a layout and feasibility before the next Street & Traffic Control Committee meeting. The committee discussed numerous complaints received for the Booth Rd./Founders Dr. and Twin Beech Road intersection. Richard Johnson stated we should have the funding agreement possibly before Council on the July 8th session regarding the MPO awarded the planning dollars for a corridor and safety study for this intersection, so hopefully it can be approved and Mr. Johnson can start the process of procuring special services. Councilman Burrell asked about a timeline for a solution. Mr. Johnson said what we will get from it will be different options for the Street & Traffic Control Committee and the dollars associated with it. Mr. Johnson stated the most direct option would be to signalize the intersection, but one must remember there are no turning lanes; therefore, there will be queuing issues. The committee discussed options for the location. Councilman Burrell asked about a roundabout. Mr. Johnson stated the drainage would cost more than the roundabout. George Ladd stated Booth Rd. is not the city’s responsibility and Mr. Johnson stated until the drainage issues are addressed it should not become the city’s responsibility. The topic was tabled for future discussion. A petition was submitted for Fels Avenue, east of George Ave. along with a traffic study for a stop sign or other speed calming device. Councilman Burrell mentioned the police monitor the location, since the study showed drivers adhering to the speed limit. Motion by Mike Jeffries to take no action for the agenda item of Fels Ave., east of George Ave.; seconded by Richard Johnson. All in favor. The committee discussed North Ingleside between Estella St. and Gayfer Ave. Jennifer Olmstead stated the city received a petition for a speed calming device placed in the area. Mrs. Olmstead received a few letters from residents stating nothing else was needed in the area. Mr. Johnson requested the latest traffic study for the area. There was a brief discussion on the previous speed calming devices installed in the area. One of the residents, did not state name, asked for a copy of the traffic study. The committee stated that this is the first time they are seeing the traffic study, which was from May 16, 2024. Several residents attended the meeting. The resident (did not state name) at 109 N. Ingleside St. said he’s seen a lot where his home is located with speeds more than 60 MPH—which was confirmed in the study by Councilman Burrell with a maximum speed of 61 MPH. The resident stated the stop signs are not respected by drivers with cars running the stop sign. The residents voiced their concerns of sidewalks being so close to the street with the speed and volume of cars on the street. The residents ask that something be done, since it’s not a matter of if, but when something will happen on the street. Councilman Burrell read through some of the data. Chief Hollinghead stated they have done multiple traffic studies for the location and it’s consistent. The committee discussed the findings of the study. Jennifer Olmstead stated only 47% of residents living on the street in question were in favor of the petition. Hunter Simmons spoke about the traffic on Morphy Ave. vs Ingleside St. Richard Johnson stated that there is nothing there to indicate there is a speeding problem and is a residential collector street, which it’s functioning like it’s supposed to. Councilman Burrell thought the radar speed signs were permanent but was notified that the signs were only out during the time of the study. A resident, did not state his name, said that he’s not concerned about the Streets & Traffic Control Committee Tuesday, June 25, 2024 Page - 3 volume on the street, but the constant speeding. Hunter Simmons stated the right-of ways are tight in certain areas. He asked the residents if any of them would give up a few feet of their yard to help with the lack of space in between the road and sidewalk, no response. Councilman Burrell said the committee could be working off inaccurate data with the temporary radar speed signs being on the street during the traffic study. Richard Johnson proposed an unannounced 72-hour qualified study from an independent party, when school is in session through the work week to get more accurate results. Mr. Johnson stated our current radar speed signs are still collecting data even when the sign is turned off and not signaling drivers. Councilman Burrell discussed speed limit signs that flash with regards to ambiance, etc. Chief Hollinghead said the signs cost between $2,500 to $3,000. Hunter Simmons commented about where the flashing speed limit signs would be posted on the street—possible visual nuisance or not for neighbors. It was brought up by the committee that the cost would be absorbed by those petitioning for the speed calming devices, not the city. The radar speed limit signs are a new option. It was confirmed that a bolt down speed bump was paid for by the city, but any other such as a speed table, etc. would be paid for by those requesting the speed calming device. Hunter Simmons spoke about the hesitance with speed tables, which slows down emergency vehicles with avoiding the speed table option, especially along Ingleside St. The option of a chicane was discussed as well. Hunter Simmons made a motion to ask the Council for two (2) additional traffic calming signs along with a traffic study during school hours at the location; seconded by Councilman Burrell; all in favor. Chief Hollinghead stated the city would need to be prepared for more to come forward with the same request and she felt that the request for additional signs should wait until after the independent traffic study was complete. The residents asked about putting stop signs up and if it doesn’t work, then take them down. The committee stated it would create a huge traffic safety issue if you removed stop signs after they’ve been installed on the street. The committee discussed a crosswalk at Volanta Ave at the intersection of Section St. Richard Johnson stated the mayor has instructed him to put in capital dollars for a complete intersection upgrade, which will include a pedestrian study and feasibility of crosswalk. There being no further business to discuss the meeting duly adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Natalie Fonseca Approved: 2/6/25