PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE Minutes 11182019Approved
CITY OF MUSKEGO
PUBLIC WORKS AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES
November 18, 2019
5:00 PM
Muskego City Hall, W182 S8200 Racine Avenue
CALL TO ORDER
Alderperson Borgman called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present: Alderperson Madden, Alderperson Borgman, Alderperson Hammel, Scott Kroeger, Director of Public Works and Development, Richard Rens, Police Chief
Guests: Jeremiah Johnson, Bob Gelhaus
STATEMENT OF PUBLIC NOTICE
The meeting was posted in accordance with open meeting laws.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderperson Madden made a motion to approve the minutes of September 16, 2019 meeting. Alderperson Hammel seconded.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
STATUS OF PROJECTS
Discussion update. No formal action may be taken on any of the following:
Waukesha Water/Great Water Alliance
Director Kroeger stated the City met with the Great Water Alliance representatives on October 23rd, to review the 90% plans. He briefly explained to the audience what this project will
entail. Director Kroeger continued stating they will host a Public Information Meeting in Jan or Feb 2020. The project will go to bid in March 2020. The City will have a link and
information, including a hotline number for this project on our City website. He continued it will be a two year contract from mid – 2020 through mid – 2022. Director Kroeger stated
to plan for detours and closures throughout the next two years.
Bay Lane Reconstruction
Director Kroeger stated the contractor has a small punch list of items to finish. Some landscaping items will need to be finished/redone in spring.
Hillendale Reconstruction
Director Kroeger stated since the last Public Information Meeting he has meet with 10-15 residents who had additional questions/concerns. This information was passed along to the consultant.
The City is expecting 90% plans in Dec/Jan. He continued that the utility plans will be next, based off of the road plans. The project will go out to bid in Dec 2020. The reconstruction
will take place approximately Mar-Nov 2021.
Road Program 2019 Upgrade
Director Kroeger stated the annual Road Program went very well this year. The City was able to add Hidden Creek Ct, Wentland Dr (T-area), finish the Idle Isle trail and repair an area
on Bluhm Dr.
Waukesha Water/Great Water Alliance
Director Kroeger stated the City met with the Great Water Alliance representatives on October 23rd, to review the 90% plans. He briefly explained to the audience what this project will
entail. Director Kroeger continued stating they will host a Public Information Meeting in Jan or Feb 2020. The project will go to bid in March 2020. The City will have a link and
information, including a hotline number for this project on our City website. He continued it will be a two year contract from mid – 2020 through mid – 2022. Director Kroeger stated
to plan for detours and closures throughout the next two years.
Bay Lane Reconstruction
Director Kroeger stated the contractor has a small punch list of items to finish. Some landscaping items will need to be finished/redone in spring.
Hillendale Reconstruction
Director Kroeger stated since the last Public Information Meeting he has meet with 10-15 residents who had additional questions/concerns. This information was passed along to the consultant.
The City is expecting 90% plans in Dec/Jan. He continued that the utility plans will be next, based off of the road plans. The project will go out to bid in Dec 2020. The reconstruction
will take place approximately Mar-Nov 2021.
Road Program 2019 Upgrade
Director Kroeger stated the annual Road Program went very well this year. The City was able to add Hidden Creek Ct, Wentland Dr (T-area), finish the Idle Isle trail and repair an area
on Bluhm Dr.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
NEW BUSINESS
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Request to Review Street Parking along Park Drive and Michi Drive by Plan Commission for Muskego Development
Director Kroeger began by reviewing his memo and explaining why the Plan Commission requested this discussion. The Committee briefly talked about a couple of ideas.
Alderperson Madden made a motion to table this discussion until after the complex is built. Seconded by Alderperson Hammel.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
Request for Pedestrian Warning Sign at the Intersection of Woods Road and Racine Avenue
Director Kroeger presented his memo and aerial photos of the intersection. He talked about his discussions with Jeremiah Johnson and the Muskego-Norway School District. Everyone agreed
this is a very busy intersection. The agreement is for the City to pay for the regular sign and the MNSD to pay for the solar sign. Mr. Johnson spoke on behalf of the MNSD stating
he was very thankful the City stepped up to help and support this request. Waukesha County was not responding to the school’s concerns about adding signage to this intersection.
Alderperson Hammel made a motion to approve the Pedestrian Warning Sign as presented. Seconded by Alderperson Madden.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
Vision Corner Waiver for Property Located at SE Corner of College Avenue and Gold Drive
Director Kroeger presented his memo and photos of the proposed fence. The vision corner requirements would require this fence to be on an angle. The owner has requested a waiver due
the large setbacks from the road. He would prefer the fence to be at a right angle.
Alderperson Hammel made a motion to approve the Vision Corner Waiver as presented. Seconded by Alderperson Madden.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
Tess Corners Drive Speed Limit Reduction Discussion
Director Kroeger explained to the Committee that this is an arterial road meant for slightly higher speeds, has a pedestrian path, and a wide right-of-way. The City does not have another
parallel road that citizens could use to get across town quickly. He also presented a speed survey that resulted in an average speed of 37.1 MPH. Ald. Borgman stated that all the
surrounding roads are 25-30 MPH and will all the twists and turns Tess Corners Drive should now be at a reduced speed because people can travel on Moreland Road if they need to go faster.
Chief Rens reiterated some of Director Kroeger’s comments, that this is an arterial road with higher speed limits and he believes it should stay at 35 MPH. He stated most people get
a “feel” for how slow/fast to drive on a road that does not have posted speed limits. He mentioned that 85% of people “feel” Tess Corners Drive should actually be 40 MPH. Director
Kroeger also explained the possibility of drivers finding quicker, alternative routes on other side roads that are not meant for extra traffic, if the speed limit is reduced. The surrounding
roads that are currently 25 MPH, may now find more traffic and speeds closer to 30 MPH. The Committee continued to discuss ideas and speeds of other local roads. Chief Rens made it
known, if the Committee chooses to reduce the speed on Tess Corners Drive, it must remain consistent throughout the entire length of the City. Mr. Gelhaus spoke to the Committee stating
he is the resident who requested this speed reduction. He said when he does 35 MPH traffic backs up behind him, he struggles to get out of his driveway on a regular basis. He believes
the speed study is wrong. He was insistent that traffic is traveling at 40-45 MPH. He also volunteered to survey the neighbors if needed, to get the speed reduced to 30 MPH.
Alderperson Borgman made a motion to change the speed limit to 30 MPH on Tess Corners Drive. Seconded by Alderperson Hammel.
Motion Passed 2 in favor. Ald. Madden voted against.
Discussion update and possible action may be taken on any or all of the following:
Request to Review Street Parking along Park Drive and Michi Drive by Plan Commission for Muskego Development
Director Kroeger began by reviewing his memo and explaining why the Plan Commission requested this discussion. The Committee briefly talked about a couple of ideas.
Alderperson Madden made a motion to table this discussion until after the complex is built. Seconded by Alderperson Hammel.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
Request for Pedestrian Warning Sign at the Intersection of Woods Road and Racine Avenue
Director Kroeger presented his memo and aerial photos of the intersection. He talked about his discussions with Jeremiah Johnson and the Muskego-Norway School District. Everyone agreed
this is a very busy intersection. The agreement is for the City to pay for the regular sign and the MNSD to pay for the solar sign. Mr. Johnson spoke on behalf of the MNSD stating
he was very thankful the City stepped up to help and support this request. Waukesha County was not responding to the school’s concerns about adding signage to this intersection.
Alderperson Hammel made a motion to approve the Pedestrian Warning Sign as presented. Seconded by Alderperson Madden.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
Vision Corner Waiver for Property Located at SE Corner of College Avenue and Gold Drive
Director Kroeger presented his memo and photos of the proposed fence. The vision corner requirements would require this fence to be on an angle. The owner has requested a waiver due
the large setbacks from the road. He would prefer the fence to be at a right angle.
Alderperson Hammel made a motion to approve the Vision Corner Waiver as presented. Seconded by Alderperson Madden.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
Tess Corners Drive Speed Limit Reduction Discussion
Director Kroeger explained to the Committee that this is an arterial road meant for slightly higher speeds, has a pedestrian path, and a wide right-of-way. The City does not have another
parallel road that citizens could use to get across town quickly. He also presented a speed survey that resulted in an average speed of 37.1 MPH. Ald. Borgman stated that all the
surrounding roads are 25-30 MPH and will all the twists and turns Tess Corners Drive should now be at a reduced speed because people can travel on Moreland Road if they need to go faster.
Chief Rens reiterated some of Director Kroeger’s comments, that this is an arterial road with higher speed limits and he believes it should stay at 35 MPH. He stated most people get
a “feel” for how slow/fast to drive on a road that does not have posted speed limits. He mentioned that 85% of people “feel” Tess Corners Drive should actually be 40 MPH. Director
Kroeger also explained the possibility of drivers finding quicker, alternative routes on other side roads that are not meant for extra traffic, if the speed limit is reduced. The surrounding
roads that are currently 25 MPH, may now find more traffic and speeds closer to 30 MPH. The Committee continued to discuss ideas and speeds of other local roads. Chief Rens made it
known, if the Committee chooses to reduce the speed on Tess Corners Drive, it must remain consistent throughout the entire length of the City. Mr. Gelhaus spoke to the Committee stating
he is the resident who requested this speed reduction. He said when he does 35 MPH traffic backs up behind him, he struggles to get out of his driveway on a regular basis. He believes
the speed study is wrong. He was insistent that traffic is traveling at 40-45 MPH. He also volunteered to survey the neighbors if needed, to get the speed reduced to 30 MPH.
Alderperson Borgman made a motion to change the speed limit to 30 MPH on Tess Corners Drive. Seconded by Alderperson Hammel.
Motion Passed 2 in favor. Ald. Madden voted against.
NEW BUSINESS PLACED ON FILE
(The following items have been placed on file for staff review. Upon completion of review, staff will submit a supplement detailing options and possible course of action to committee
members.)
COMMUNICATIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW
ADJOURNMENT
Alderperson Madden made a motion to adjourn at 5:55 PM. Alderperson Hammel seconded.
Motion Passed 3 in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Wendy Fredlund
Recording Secretary