12/01/2003MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
December 1, 2003
The village board met as a committee of the whole in the board room of the village hall at 8:08 p.m. on
Monday, December 1, 2003. In attendance were:
Village Board
Steven Harris, Mayor
Robert Benton, Trustee
Jerry Kayne, Trustee
Harriet Rosenthal, Trustee
William Seiden, Trustee
Vernon Swanson, Trustee
Matthew Wylie, Trustee
Deerfield Road Rehab Project
Staff
Robert D. Franz, Village Manager
John Sliozis, Chief of Police
Barbara Little, Director of Public Works/Engineering
John Welch, Assistant Village Engineer
Diane Mikula, Assistant to the Village Manager
Safety Council Chairman & Members
Bob Franz introduced the topic: the improvement of Deerfield Road from Chestnut Street to Wilmot
Road. Consulting engineer Civil Tech had been hired by the village to plan for this project, including
means to foster safer pedestrian movements across Deerfield Road. The village applied for a Federal
grant of 70% of the construction costs through the Lake County Council of Mayors. The program is
administered through IDOT and certain design guidelines must be met to qualify for the money.
Recently, the village retained the services of Craig Williams of Edwards & Kelcey to look specifically
at pedestrian issues involving the Deerfield Road project. The consultant met earlier in the evening
with the safety council to hear firsthand their ideas about pedestrian improvements, particularly the
need for access to Maplewood Park from south of Deerfield Road.
Barb Little introduced Harry Gilmore, Project Manager from Civil Tech who presented the scope of
the work. For most of its length, Deerfield Road has 66' of right of way. The average width of
pavement is 30'. Currently, average daily traffic (ADT) is 22,000 vehicles and 27,000 is projected by
2020.
Proposed improvements would consist of removal and replacement of the curb and gutter, the addition
of a center left turn lane (requiring widening the road approximately 2' on each side), adding left turn
lanes at Chestnut, signalization improvements at Wilmot and roadway resurfacing the entire length of
Deerfield Road. Talks are currently underway with Lake County to extend the project west of Wilmot
Road and, if village funds allow, improving Wilmot Road north of Deerfield Road to Montgomery
Road.
As part of its study, Civil Tech explored the feasibility of:
➢ Pedestrian Underpass — Three locations were analyzed but all were rejected due to the
depth of the existing storm sewer, the number of driveways impacted and insufficient
right of way width to accommodate the required cross section.
➢ Bike Path — An 8' to 10' bike path was explored but eliminated as part of this project
since the Feds would rather the roadway be widened to four lanes than a bike path
constructed if trees are to be impacted.
Committee of the Whole
December 1, 2003
Page 2
➢ Pedestrian Refuge Island — A barrier median just west of Jonquil Terrace was analyzed
but it was concluded that it could actually introduce additional safety concerns for both
pedestrians and motorists.
➢ Painted Crosswalk - A high visibility, painted pedestrian crosswalk at Jonquil Terrace is
proposed. Also recommended was that advance warning signs be installed east and
west of the crossing, perhaps with flashing beacons.
The intersection improvement at Chestnut Street and the 4' widening of Deerfield Road would impact
13 trees, 9 on Deerfield and 4 on Chestnut. Also, utility poles along Deerfield Road would have to be
relocated at ComEd's expense. Further study is needed to determine how much tree trimming would
be needed to accommodate the new overhead wires. Staff was advised by ComEd that the village
would have to contribute $1.5 million if the wires are to be placed underground.
It was noted that the project should move forward as soon as possible so that construction can occur
next summer. Delaying it to 2005 will run the risk of it conflicting with Cook County Highway
Department's plans to widen Lake Cook Road between Waukegan and Pfingsten Roads.
Discussion ensued regarding the recommended improvements with some questioning why any
widening is needed. Concerns were expressed that more traffic might be generated and that the overall
appearance would suffer. It was reported that one benefit to the center turn lane was the reduction in
rear end accidents. Over the past three years, 84 accidents have occurred on this section of roadway.
The additional lane should reduce the number of collisions since cars making left turns would be
separated from through traffic. There are 65 curb cuts on Deerfield Road, some of which are for multi-
family and institutional uses.
Barb Little advised that storm sewer work was needed west of the creek and that the sanitary sewer
east of the creek was under study for improvements or replacement. Only the storm sewer work would
qualify under the 70% Federal funding. It was unknown at this time what impact utility work might
have on trees in the area regardless of whether or not the street was widened.
There were strong feelings expressed by some that too much emphasis was being placed on moving
cars at the expense of pedestrians and neighborhood impact. At the same time, it was noted that, while
a locally controlled street, Deerfield Road functions like a state route carrying traffic volumes well
beyond those typical of a two-lane road. East of Waukegan Road, Deerfield Road is four lanes with
turning lanes at almost every intersection. Deerfield Road is predominantly a residential street but has
always operated as a major east/west arterial with the objective of keeping through traffic out of
neighborhoods bordering it. IDOT has emphasized that the usual cut-off for a two-lane road is 14,000
ADT. They are willing to compromise on funding provided a center lane is added to allow smoother
traffic flow and to reduce accidents.
Barb Little reported that, as proposed, the project cost is estimated at $2.6 million with the village
share at $900,000. Without the widening, the cost would be approximately $1.6 million, which would
have to be funded totally by the village.
Consultant Craig Williams was asked his opinions on the project. He stated that it is difficult to
balance pedestrian issues with the heavy volume of traffic but that widening might offer some
opportunities for pedestrian improvements in the form of refuge areas. He believes as many as three
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December 1, 2003
Page 3
crossings could be created, but he needs to study the matter in more detail. Once the scope of the
project is defined, it will be easier to determine what pedestrian enhancements are possible.
The board agreed to discuss the project again in two weeks. In the meantime, information will be
given the board on the 13 trees that would have to be removed. Also, the consultants will develop
different project scenarios for additional review and discuss further with IDOT what flexibility they
might have in scaling back the project yet qualifying for Federal funds.
The meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
Minutes prepared by:
Ro&ft D. Franz, Village Manag'