[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6163671,"mediaKeyId","5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b","parentId",5433596,"title","City traffic engineer says six studied intersections do not meet national signal warrants; staff and council weigh safety, costs","audioSeconds",2135,"startMs",1673000,"endMs",3808000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b&start=1673&end=3808","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b/thumbnail_1673000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6163671/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/City-traffic-engineer-says-six-studied-intersections-do-not-meet-national-signal-warrants-staff-and-council-weigh-safety-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163671-1d213c3d640ddb653a3916786ec51e25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153309&Signature=iK9eaERqrMR1G6v8on-2ksW8Lwjt0nNfxWU3Eugai8X1E49eo1Y7stMr2JjFymfbyC9UAmrYGln33Po1~skOK~U7kuDhfx2~Pq3C0pPCsLnWRw6JPcF9ps~aI~49x2AIDR4uFjHABbMGSTRfrmWUW0N-3RYyuK0u6MsZCgmmUsEAvMAkMsf8IvJvHMdaZdWUTmMYkDruxrOK3OJnLHxchobwdHLYqTmzSwEQjdbKfPHIpjPVjhf-j8dHENpHYpsm9GoOk9OabgNN2ZbvJiRK6g6XANZkB~0uUd6YVPkhKRX9WCCXtVFj8aquZPlG07dATc3VYslDHNd~L~OssmnmKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Hutchinson, KS","date","2025-07-01T00:00:00Z","article","A traffic engineer told the Hutchinson City Council on July 1 that six intersections studied in the city do not meet national traffic-signal warrant thresholds and that maintaining unwarranted signals can raise crash risks and long-term costs.

The study by Patrick Bird of JEO Consulting Group analyzed three “Group 1” intersections on Fourth Street (Fourth & Washington, Fourth & Walnut and Avenue A & Washington) and three “Group 2” locations (20th-Third & Tyler, Bigger & Maple, and Eleventh & Baker). Bird said none of the sites satisfied MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) warrants for signal installation or continued signal control and recommended removing unwarranted signals and using stop control where appropriate. “This is a national standard that’s published by FHWA,” Bird said of the MUTCD guidance, and he emphasized that satisfying a warrant “doesn’t necessarily mean that the installation of a signal… goes in” — the warrant is guidance, not an automatic order.

Why it matters: City staff said removing unwarranted signals could reduce certain crash types and save long-term maintenance dollars. Bird cited a study summarized by the National Cooperative Highway Research Program showing removal of unwarranted signals reduced overall crashes by 24% and injury crashes as much as 53% in before/after comparisons. He also told the council that a new traffic signal can cost $300,000–$500,000 to install and typically $6,000–$8,000 per year to maintain; over a 30-year life those maintenance costs can add roughly $180,000–$240,000 beyond initial installation, not counting replacement after collisions or knockdowns.

Study findings and local data: Bird said warrant 1 (the 8‑hour volume warrant), warrant 2 (the 4‑hour/peak warrant) and the pedestrian warrants produced few or no hours meeting the MUTCD thresholds at the studied locations. He gave intersection crash totals for 2020–2024: Fourth & Walnut 21 crashes (about 62% rear‑end), Fourth & Washington 11 crashes (about 55% rear‑end), Avenue A & Washington 3 crashes, Maple & Bigger 1 crash and Eleventh & Baker 8 crashes (about half involved red‑light running). Bird reported 20th‑Third & Tyler had no crashes in the five‑year window.

Council and technician concerns: Several councilmembers and a senior traffic signal technician employed by the city raised objections to blanket removals, noting local conditions. The technician, who identified himself only as a senior signal technician with 30 years’ city experience, said removing signals at Fourth & Washington could create safety problems near an older adults’ facility north of the intersection and argued the city could put signals on semi‑actuated operation or use cameras to reduce unnecessary operation. “They’re not bothering anybody… I don’t buy that as a traffic signal technician,” he said, urging caution on removal. A council member noted some studied intersections sit near elementary schools and asked staff to coordinate any removals with planned school‑zone flashers.

Staff notes, process and next steps: City staff told the council two Fourth‑Street signals previously discussed were already “bagged” (covered/disconnected) and scheduled for physical removal in September; the presentation was informational and no action was requested at the July 1 meeting. City engineers said decisions will include engineering judgment about sight lines and pedestrian needs; Bird noted the school‑crossing warrant requires at least 20 pedestrians in a peak hour, which none of the school‑adjacent locations met in the collected counts.

What the council could decide later: Staff suggested alternatives to removal where warranted, including keeping a signal but converting it to semi‑actuated operation, installing push‑button pedestrian recall, or using four‑way stop control if sight lines allow. Council members asked for more public education about the warrant process before any additional removals and for staff to coordinate with school flashers planned for this year.

Ending: The presentation closed as informational; no new council motion or vote occurred on July 1. Staff said they will continue counts, review crash history, coordinate school‑zone flashers and follow up with council before taking further removal actions.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hutchinson, KS, | City Council Meeting- 07/01/25 ","oneSentenceSummary","A traffic engineer told the Hutchinson City Council on July 1 that six intersections studied in the city do not meet national signal‑warrant thresholds and that maintaining unwarranted signals can raise crash risks and long‑term costs.","taxTitle","Hutchinson City, Reno County, Kansas","taxId",52857,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163653,"Players offer to build pickleball courts on Severn Street if city supplies materials; council says budget constraints may limit help",677,421000,1098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b&start=421&end=1098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b/thumbnail_421000.jpg","/articles/6163653/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/Players-offer-to-build-pickleball-courts-on-Severn-Street-if-city-supplies-materials-council-says-budget-constraints-may-limit-help","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163653-64cfb0f12118360c6e84e8b111f7c409/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153309&Signature=P2E-67FdoyLS-YO9bLdGJxYDGyTlLcFItKUnWmsXpN2UDSOhkA5uJSK2v9bpdoPKgWOAoiMEArp65K-c90kdxNzz5r7SshqBz9CZKC~MRYRj63-w-51vSaHXBfQ99i3Y8cdgEacC1LbZRjO-XE4Gr-WsS2Kho7metvdGv3eVqBefl1tNYbTsvuMq76cXGydfuJ8VIiC1AkvOQ9QaLYwIzuLh~-wTlnL8Kt9LqLbwVRrSn-FDixTD4jEYezWXTimvOJG3rtvJUIT~CVRbJ3tKEEIqn0F7CVSs0jXjP9pauFEu6LTOwpu5ng931yHRo4PLYyQ6coJKgIIQoUd9XhMkoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A group of Hutchinson pickleball players told the City Council on July 1 they would volunteer labor to convert existing tennis courts on Severn Street into additional pickleball courts if the city supplies materials estimated at about $1,200–$1,500.

What was proposed: Dawn Beidler, who identified herself during public comment, told council the players “volunteer the help to prepare and strike the courts. All we ask for is the city to provide the money to buy the product with, which is probably in the neighborhood around $1,200 according to my calculation.” She described a plan to re‑mark tennis courts to create six pickleball courts and said the volunteers have construction experience and nets available.

Why it matters: Players said current court capacity is inadequate for demand; the city parks director and council acknowledged limited budget flexibility ahead of the next fiscal year but said volunteer labor reduces costs and that the request could be considered as staff works budget priorities. Councilmembers noted prior fundraising efforts in Rice Park and said the budget season is tight.

Council response and next steps: A councilmember said staff will take the request under consideration and that the city is in budget season; no formal city commitment or appropriation was made July 1. Staff indicated they would follow up with the volunteers and discuss materials purchase timing relative to budget constraints.

Ending: The players volunteered to supply labor and expertise; the council asked staff to evaluate the request and report back during budget discussions.","Local players told the City Council they will provide labor to convert tennis courts on Severn Street to pickleball courts if the city supplies materials. The group estimated materials at roughly $1,200–$1,500 for six courts; council said the request will be considered as part of budget timing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163659,"City manager proposes shared economic‑development position with chamber; council discusses sales‑tax timing and grocery exemption",1688,6906000,8594000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b&start=6906&end=8594","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b/thumbnail_6906000.jpg","/articles/6163659/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/City-manager-proposes-shared-economicdevelopment-position-with-chamber-council-discusses-salestax-timing-and-grocery-exemption","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163659-ec64f7c86fd1fdfb07471bc585b82d0a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153309&Signature=Ysrd61LolkQ~gH1d84WDGuQtr3P4rWIYaNZD7w~QN4UTROffOg9sddEUAcZ1sLHLeawMDQh5qeddCRs2anqy2Jbnfjrv5MOowCMXYv7ElFn3YzLMIWmBrmsHc1CFEl3Al79CTKCKx6lufGke49CXYrN8PTS3LzxVKkWI4f8uS910vltACP8Saz5C2UIxCIf98L8p-lsWL6KgY6PhRuXa6z0Guug6BUEybiC9Yw~25avd64Gok3YRaXtvMJ1XylUsd41N-Y~0EcsC3WpFSaVxsq6tuj-3SrUISRhZlZ9ja9RZcY47FYkdZ2NyH2vg5fO5cFRo0JQtIGlEEWjffgnT4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Manager Enrico Villegas told the Hutchinson City Council on July 1 he and chamber leaders propose sharing an economic‑development position that would live at the Chamber of Commerce and be cost‑shared with the city; Villegas said the role would support business recruitment, incentive analysis and regional outreach.

Villegas described the position as intended to fill a gap in evaluating incentive packages and conducting “but‑for” and cost‑benefit analyses for potential city investments. “There’s definitely a gap, if you will, in some of the services that we provide on the economic development side of the house,” Villegas said, and he noted the city and chamber have been “bouncing back and forth and trying to properly right size the services” including Market Hutch and downtown staffing.

Why it matters: Both chamber and city officials said the shared role would allow more travel and employer outreach while giving city staff a consistent review of incentive requests; the downtown position and Market Hutch tasks will be returned to city oversight. The downtown development role would be a city employee housed in city offices; the proposed shared economic‑development specialist would be a chamber employee with shared oversight and likely participate in chamber travel and trade events.

Council discussion and election timing: Councilmembers asked about start dates, benefits packages, and whether the shared staffer could serve ex officio on the Chamber board; councilors supported building the role into a job description and suggested January as a potential start date. Villegas and staff also discussed a longer budget conversation over possible city sales tax funding for capital projects; staff said a special election to place a sales tax on the ballot carries a cost (a stand‑alone special election costs roughly $27,400 for in‑person voting; a mail ballot option was quoted at $64,400), while placing the question on a regularly scheduled countywide November election would cost the city nothing extra.

Grocery exemption and countywide concerns: Council members discussed whether to exempt groceries from a potential city sales tax. Staff said the city can propose an exclusion and that many municipalities elsewhere consider grocery exemptions. Villegas also noted a countywide sales tax could shift revenue from Hutchinson residents to other jurisdictions and that a city ballot measure would let Hutchinson voters decide local priorities.

Next steps: Council members generally supported moving forward with drafting job descriptions and reviewing the details with the Chamber of Commerce; staff will return with specifics on salary, benefits and implementation. On sales tax timing, staff advised that the earliest low‑cost option for a city ballot question would be the November 2026 general election if the council wants zero additional election cost.

Ending: The council signaled support for the shared economic‑development position concept and asked staff to return with job descriptions and cost details; it also asked staff to refine options and costs for a possible sales‑tax ballot measure and to model the effects of a grocery exemption.","City Manager Enrico Villegas outlined a plan to share an economic‑development position with the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce and to shift some downtown and Market Hutch duties back to the city. Council discussed election timing, possible grocery exemptions, and whether a countywide sales tax would undercut Hutchinson projects.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163664,"Council doubles special‑alcohol awards to four local programs, leaves $199,000 in fund",614,5904000,6518000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b&start=5904&end=6518","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b/thumbnail_5904000.jpg","/articles/6163664/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/Council-doubles-specialalcohol-awards-to-four-local-programs-leaves-199000-in-fund","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163664-ee6f5d2b0771d64051b221c4817ad60c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153309&Signature=frQrMM7KUJ7ypByz~cVCqZO6bgdyrIEaDGNyhc-CFV076gFmBBvytlzNMyUbI8W2HSCJpGJ3n0bAmkaszBAHANRnfXVXlus89pfPfyCGVAVFewomcUo2gbXDudSm4HQDZgTHd8EmMEGhXQBzAG7FdqXDoin87PsLVTPMs7e6kpy4rSdAYk8kJ98TUI1JqZY5gihUrrqMGjtdiEpetGFnfKPruKtu683MsoOrUvxm0hU0H53qwpqrhgyvCyhzzvtW5scvVYxGjfVzTB2C7xbOAuEATfOpMthjzD2Zw-jaqjuY7DEbq4bUkheU9BhJRAOoz-NNbcgtp-nlnuQw5j3Y2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Hutchinson City Council voted July 1 to double the recommended special‑alcohol fund awards for 2026 to four local organizations, reducing the fund balance but leaving approximately $199,000 available for later grants.

What the council did: A council motion to “approve the distribution of special alcohol fund awards for 2026, in double the amounts requested by the 4 organizations listed” passed unanimously. The mayor made the motion and a councilmember seconded; recorded votes were all “Yes.” The motion was styled as increasing the recommended award amounts; staff said the remaining fund balance after the doubled awards would be about $199,000.

Why it matters: The special alcohol fund is financed by alcohol tax/fees and is restricted by state statute to support drug and alcohol treatment, prevention and related services. Council members noted the fund has carried a multi‑year balance (about $367,000 before the July action) and that several federal and state grants are shrinking or have more restrictive uses, making local funds more valuable to some providers.

Council discussion: Councilmembers and staff discussed why the fund has a large balance (alcohol sales and related receipts can vary year to year), whether the city should do more active outreach to eligible nonprofits and agencies, and examples of past capital and program expenditures from the fund (staff cited contributions to inpatient treatment and a travel van in earlier years). One councilmember encouraged nonprofits that provide qualifying services to apply for remaining money later in the year.

Action details: Staff said they circulated the full application packets from the four applicants to council earlier the same day; applicants supplied financial statements and narratives documenting compliance with statute and service descriptions. Council member comments emphasized transparency and urged staff to publicize that additional awards can still be made later in the year.

Ending: The council’s July 1 vote increases 2026 awards to four organizations and leaves a significant remainder in the special alcohol fund for later distribution; staff said they would publicize availability and accept further applications under statutory eligibility rules.","The Hutchinson City Council approved doubling recommended 2026 awards to four local organizations from the city’s Special Alcohol Fund, leaving about $199,000 available for future applications. Council discussed fund purpose, eligible uses, and outreach to additional applicants.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6163666,"City explains grass‑height rule and stormwater risks; staff tout 12‑inch standard, warn against curb dumping",1086,4506000,5592000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b&start=4506&end=5592","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5433596-fb044b57b54325d02849a98f01cc921b/thumbnail_4506000.jpg","/articles/6163666/Hutchinson-City/Reno-County/Kansas/City-explains-grassheight-rule-and-stormwater-risks-staff-tout-12inch-standard-warn-against-curb-dumping","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6163666-d2d7d994df5220af87fd4fa8ab13bdf3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153309&Signature=Dg~tKbD8JWhfLHFcpowz~peYjFLw5F8Ifk7d3aCbwgeNmmF6k~Ytu64vsknMUZTcZgYO76PCoTLQ1DdMy6zp0zp1UYHwF1BwVYqNFMsAflX31LSgwg~CFKNSmVQOgoSMVDFFrwze24ENEWXPZZjIB6XyBDK-s1k-rtBv3tbLDLMNlVYjwZsRx51HB4UP2p54K-toCU~S0sEsiVkdAVzU7Yg-cCmBrIDLz3Y6u9EzfTkm0fQhFEVRKJjM18qHtOOl8sFkifPRDYPLnLt1XpP6PawWyMKtyYa4SpYKhI9tceyixa~D6hXsHcjvM9KVsXMFtXYaaE3VDMKCrwnUt6R2Ng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City community development staff and public‑works officials told the Hutchinson City Council on July 1 that the city’s grass and weed ordinance sets a 12‑inch maximum and that grass clippings and other yard waste in curb and gutter can clog storm drains and increase flood‑risk and maintenance costs.

Why it matters: The city enforces a 12‑inch limit across property types and follows a complaint‑then‑notice process; staff said clippings and leaves left in the street raise stormwater maintenance burdens and urged residents and commercial mowing contractors not to blow clippings into the gutter.

What staff said: Matt Williams, director of community development, summarized the ordinance and enforcement sequence: an inspector issues a notice citing the code and gives a property owner 10 days to correct overgrown grass; if the owner does not comply the city arranges abatement and bills the owner. “Hutchinson's ordinance is, that grass and weeds must be under 12 inches,” Williams told the council. Williams said city mowing cycles vary by use — irrigated turf 4–7 days, parks/non‑irrigated turf 10–14 days, right‑of‑way 15–21 days, and levees/ditches twice annually — and that staffing, equipment and safety limit how quickly the city can respond.

Stormwater and enforcement detail: Williams and public‑works staff said clogged curb inlets increase flood risk and maintenance cost; they said the city intends to ask residents not to blow clippings into storm gutters and to keep inlets clear. Staff reported the city attempts to sweep curb & gutter areas once per year. Williams said when an abatement occurs the owner is charged and “between 5–10%” of property owners pay the abatement bill directly; unpaid bills may be placed on property tax rolls.

Council questions and policy options: Several councilmembers suggested focusing enforcement first on commercial mowing contractors, and discussed whether different height standards by zoning (commercial, residential, undeveloped) would be enforceable or create administrative burdens. Staff cautioned that zoning‑based thresholds can complicate drive‑by inspections and paperwork; one staff member said changing the interval or the enforcement calendar could relieve some workload but would not eliminate the inspection and notice workflow.

Community context and next steps: Staff advised more public education and suggested continued emphasis on preventing clippings and trash from entering storm drains. Councilmembers also asked staff to consider signage in city parks about smoking restrictions and to evaluate levee mowing depth and logistics. No ordinance changes were adopted July 1; council asked staff to return with options if they want to pursue zoning‑based thresholds or changes to enforcement timelines.

Ending: The council heard requests from residents and staff about enforcement priorities and directed staff to weigh options that balance enforcement practicality, seasonal workload and fairness between commercial and residential property owners.

","City staff told the council that Hutchinson’s weed-and-grass code sets a 12‑inch limit and described enforcement steps, schedules for city mowing, and the stormwater risks from grass clippings in curb and gutter. Council members asked whether commercial properties should face stricter enforcement and discussed public education.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City traffic engineer says six studied intersections do not meet national signal warrants; staff and council weigh safety, costs

Players offer to build pickleball courts on Severn Street if city supplies materials; council says budget constraints may limit help

City manager proposes shared economic‑development position with chamber; council discusses sales‑tax timing and grocery exemption

Council doubles special‑alcohol awards to four local programs, leaves $199,000 in fund

City explains grass‑height rule and stormwater risks; staff tout 12‑inch standard, warn against curb dumping