The Regular City Council Meeting held on May 1, 2024, in Soledad focused on critical infrastructure issues, particularly concerning flooding and traffic safety. Council members expressed concerns about ongoing flooding in San Vicente and the need for community awareness regarding the Miramonte development project.
During the meeting, a council member highlighted the importance of keeping residents informed about the technical aspects of the Miramonte project, suggesting that a video presentation by the consultant could be beneficial. This approach aims to clarify the project's complexities and engage the community in the planning process.
Traffic safety was another significant topic, particularly regarding proposed speed limit increases on San Vicente Road. Council member Fernando Ansaldo Sanchez raised concerns about the safety implications of raising speed limits near residential areas and public parks. The city’s traffic engineer explained that speed limits are determined based on the 85th percentile of observed speeds, and in this case, the data did not support a reduction in speed limits due to low pedestrian activity and the absence of residential driveways along the road.
Additionally, the council discussed the necessity of expediting the approval of speed limit changes to ensure enforceability by local law enforcement. The traffic engineer noted that without timely approval, the police department would be limited in their ability to enforce speed regulations effectively.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to address community safety concerns while balancing the need for effective traffic management. The council plans to continue discussions on these topics in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of public input and transparency in local governance.