During a recent government meeting, council members engaged in a robust discussion regarding traffic safety and infrastructure improvements in their community. The dialogue centered around the need for a comprehensive report from traffic consultant Mr. Messner, with council members expressing urgency for its completion within the next week to facilitate timely discussions before the year's end.
Councilman Harpster highlighted concerns about the feasibility of reducing the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph on certain roads, as well as the potential for adding stop signs at key intersections. He referenced a similar road setup in Kennewick and suggested exploring alternative traffic calming measures, such as miniature roundabouts, which have been successfully implemented in neighborhoods near Seattle Children's Hospital.
Harpster emphasized the importance of obtaining a second opinion from another traffic engineer, advocating for a thorough evaluation of the proposed $200,000 project versus a more extensive $6 million option. He expressed a desire for solutions that would effectively address community needs without alienating residents.
Council member Leo Morales echoed these sentiments, urging the council to seek additional insights from Mr. Messner and consider alternative consulting firms. He expressed dissatisfaction with previous solutions proposed by SIVTech and stressed the necessity for the council to learn from other cities' successful traffic management strategies.
The meeting underscored a collective commitment among council members to enhance traffic safety and ensure that community concerns are adequately addressed through informed decision-making and expert consultation.