Village Council Work Session

 

8/01/05,Barber School

102 W. Savidge Street

Spring Lake, MI

7:00 PM Work Session

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Session Discussion Items 

 

·        Additional agenda items, or changes to the Regular Agenda, to follow.

 

·        Presentation from Brandon Smith, Projects Intern, on the HVAC at Barber School.

 

·        Presentation from Brandon Smith, Projects Intern, on Options to Rectify the Wrong Village Phone Number Published in Area Phone Directories.

 

1.    Phone Book Corrections

2.    Village publicity

§        Tax Bills

§        Message Board

§        Water Bills

§        Crosswinds

§        Refrigerator magnets and door-to-door

 

 

 

 

 

·        Review of the Crosswalk Safety Bumps at Lake Avenue and Beach Drive

 

The Spring Lake Area Recreation Commission suggested a new crosswalk at the corner of Lake and Beach this spring.  The suggestion was in a response to brainstorming to make the bicycle and pedestrian access to Lakeside Beach safer.

My concern with this idea was kids crossing on bicycles without effectively looking first.  As a result, I asked the Village staff to remove more of the bushes and eliminate the lifeguard dedicated parking place to increase vehicular sight distance.  I also ordered bumps to slow down traffic and had them placed in advance of the crosswalk. 

 

The bumps were installed three weeks ago.  Data shows that the speeds have markedly decreased and that many children are using the new crosswalk. 

 

The problem is one bicycle accident occurred when crossing one of the yellow-painted bumps and some people go around the bumps, rather than over them.  Cautionary signs were installed and surveys conducted on compliance.  The Uniform Traffic Code Manual was consulted but does not speak to the installation of these types of bumps.

 

During non rush hour, compliance is between 65% and 89%.  During rush hours it drops to approximately 50%. 

 

Although if any motorist crosses the centerline and there is an accident, they would be ticketed according to the Police Chief, he believes the situation can be improved upon.

 

The Community Services Director was asked to make a recommendation.  His thinking is flashers should perhaps be placed on the warning signs.    The Police Chief added that if we continue with the bumps, they should be installed in each lane so they cannot be avoided.  The Ottawa County Road Commission’s staff is technically in charge of Beach Drive at the end of Lake Street and, although opposed to their use, will allow the one on Beach Road right-of-way if the Village assumes liability. 

 

Council reflection, discussion and input is invited. 

 

 

The short-term options are to 1)remove them or 2)continue with the present program given that it is late in the season. 

 

The long term options are to:

 

1.    Use the seasonal crosswalk safety bumps like now (seasonal installation);

2.    Add two more to cover all four traffic lanes (seasonal installation);

3.    Add warning flashers (permanent installation; seasonal operation);

4.    Substitute rumble strips or grooves for the bumps (permanent installation);

5.    Stop signs (seasonal installation); or

6.    No extra crosswalk safety precautions.

 

In any event, the speeds are down to where pedestrians are better protected and whatever device is used will be removed after September 5th.

 

 

Status Reports

·        Council members and family reservations for Coast Guard Parade Trolley?

·        Possible appointments (The Planning Commission terms of Elizabeth Wheeler and John Yasenak have expired.  Application forms have been received from Field Reichardt, 308 N. Buchanan; Michael Glane, 344 S. Lake, Charles Scherf, 206 S. Lake and Diane Nienhouse, 723 Summer.)

·        The Historic Conservation District has two openings:  (An application has been received from Bruce Campbell, 517 East Savidge.)

·        Art Bolt is available for reappointment to the Lloyd’s Bayou Lake Board and a Mr. Lubbers, 608 Edgewater Court has expressed interest.

·        Personnel Status Report

 

Upcoming Agenda Items (Tentative)

August 15, 2005

Bold Furniture IFT?

Review of West Savidge streetscape conceptual design

Brownfield Tax Capture Request

Schedule for Storm Watershed Permit and Public Hearings for required ordinances

TIF Hibernation

Permission to Teach and Reimburse the Village for time away

 

September 6, 2005  (TBD)