Traffic engineer contract change will save money

The Wolverine Lake Village Council, at its July 14 meeting, voted to award its 2010-11 traffic engineering services contract to Goby and Associates.

The village had previously contracted with the Traffic Improvement Association (TIA) for nearly 20 years. During that time, engineering consultant Bob DeCorte was employed, but has since moved to Goby and Associates, after the TIA downsized.

“Bob has done a good job for us over the years and we value his experience with specifics to traffic needs,” said Village Council President John Magee. “He has a very good working relationship with our administrator, our village engineer, and our Department of Public Works.”

TIA’s new proposal called for a projected fee of $1,300 per year, whereas Goby proposed $65 per hour, to not exceed $1,000 per year.

“During some years not many projects come up, so an hourly rate makes sense,” Magee said.

Traffic engineering services are used for traffic safety and traffic flow concerns. The engineer evaluates and identifies traffic issues such as road markings, signage, and turn lane configurations.