McHenry Times

City of Woodstock Transportation Commission met Nov. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

A regular meeting of the Woodstock Transportation Commission was called to order at 6:30 PM, by Chairman Andrew Celentano.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Indyke, J. Osborne, C. Wenzel and Chairman Andrew Celentano. 

COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT: None.

STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Deputy Director Brent Aymond and Executive Assistant/Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

OTHERS PRESENT: None.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Motion by C. Wenzel, second by M. Indyke to accept the October 20, 2021 Minutes. Ayes: M. Indyke, J. Osborne, C. Wenzel and Chair A. Celentano. Nays: none. Absentees: none. Abstentions: none. Motion carried.

FLOOR DISCUSSION: Anyone wishing to address the Commission on an item not on the Agenda may do so at this time.

1. Public Comments: None.

2. Commission Comments:

B. Aymond said that Dean Street, from Highway 14 to Forest Avenue will be completely reconstructed in 2022, along with many other roads. In response to a question from Chair Celentano, B. Aymond said the roads are not wide enough to add bike lanes at this time; however, catch basins will be reconfigured, as well. B. Aymond said he was informed that South Street may have a bike lane at some point. And, Dean Street is supposed to have parking on one side. There was some discussion about the appropriate positioning of bike lanes. A. Celentano said Kimball Avenue is wide enough for bike lanes, although he was unsure where the route would go from there. B. Aymond said a path is being installed on Route 47. Pertaining to bike paths, it was noted that bikes would have to share the roads with vehicles. J. Osborne said there is proof that bike lanes encourage traffic to slow down. There was some discussion pertaining to ADA compliance. C. Wenzel opined that parts of Dean Street, north of Route 14, are wide enough for bike paths. B. Aymond added that further sections of Dean Street may be able to accommodate a bike path. J. Osborne suggested an incremental approach to bike paths; it will take time and prioritization. It was noted that the speed limit in many neighborhoods is just 25 MPH, which easily accommodates bicyclists.

B. Aymond said there’s interest of adding a bus stop by the future Food Shed Co-op off of Route 14. Commissioners discussed advantages of having a bus stop at this location. A. Celentano noted bus stops need space to pull-over to load / unload. C. Wenzel said a huge advantage for the Food Shed Co-op is the bike path.

Commissioners talked about several intersections along Route 14 and accidents that have occurred. There was some discussion about PACE buses and their routes.

B. Aymond said Mr. Ryan Peterson, McHenry County’s Transportation Planner, would like to present to this Commission.

TRANSMITTALS: (no discussion or action requested.)

ITEMS OF BUSINESS: these items will be included in a future agenda.

1. Transportation Plan Update

Commissioners discussed the best way to move forward to complete the Transportation Plan. There was a recommendation to concentrate on one chapter in two meetings along with a suggestion to start with bikes as they pertain to the Transportation Plan.

Chair Celentano suggested reviewing Chapter 4 at home and bring suggestions back to the next meeting. J. Osborne asked if the Commission should state goals & objectives of what the Plan should do. He suggested starting with the Introduction and determine what the purpose of the Plan is. From there, he suggested launching into each section. Chair Celentano asked Commissioners to review Chapter 1, Introduction and Overview, for their next meeting.

Chair Celentano added that the students will be in attendance at the Commission’s meeting in January to present their projects. M. Indyke said the students were having trouble getting some needed materials for testing.

2. Route 47 Crosswalk Letter

Chair Celentano asked if any changes are needed to their previous Crosswalk Letter. Commissioners suggested updating the letter and then prepare to share it with B. Aymond to forward along to the City Manager for consideration. J. Osborne brought up that the Route 47 project plans got started in 2010; such a long time ago. B. Aymond said IDOT is finalizing plans at this time with the hopes of beginning road construction in two to three years.. Further discussion ensued.

Chair Celentano shared the re-cap for the Commission’s next meeting; discuss Chapter 1, Mr. Peterson will be here to discuss his plan and the students will share their Presentation.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Schedule workshop for bike plan

2. Schedule workshop for bike map

3. Workshops winter 2021/spring 2022 – Transportation Plan

4. FY22/23 Streets CIP

ADJOURN: To a Regular Meeting January 19, 2022 @ 6:30 PM.

Motion by J. Osborne, second by M. Indyke to adjourn this Special Meeting of the Transportation Commission. Ayes: M. Indyke, J. Osborne, C. Wenzel and Chairman A. Celentano. Nays: none. Absentees: none. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.

https://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/transportation_commission/meeting/43720/f_-_transportation_minutes_11-17-2021_meeting_-_part_1_of_1_-_minutes.pdf