Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission hears public concerns about crosswalk visibility, speeding; city repairs Cass & 8th signal
Summary
Commissioners were told a malfunctioning Cass and 8th traffic signal would be repaired overnight; in public comment residents near Lake/10th and Franklin asked for painted crosswalks, signage and traffic calming after near‑misses.
City staff told the commission that the traffic signal at Cass and 8th Streets was malfunctioning and a contractor planned about eight to 10 hours of work beginning the evening of Sept. 2; staff said the signal should be fixed by Sept. 3 and reminded motorists that “when there's a malfunctioning traffic signal, it functions as a four‑way stop.” Residents later used the general public comment period to raise separate safety concerns at the Lake Street/10th Street area and on East State/Franklin. Two nearby residents described multiple near‑misses with vehicles and asked the city to repaint crosswalks, improve sign visibility and consider active traffic‑calming measures such as speed bumps or flashing warning beacons at a stop sign on Lake where vehicles enter the neighborhood. Why it matters: Public commenters said parked cars near a café reduce sight lines and that the stop sign approaching 10th Street is not sufficiently visible to approaching drivers. Commissioners and staff noted the difference between rights‑of‑way (streets and sidewalks) and parks (which are subject to separate ordinances) when discussing signage and enforcement. Discussion and next steps: Interim City Manager Benjamin Marinette and police staff acknowledged the complaints, noting staff will review crosswalk repainting, signage placement and options for traffic calming. The manager reiterated that malfunctioning traffic signals should be treated as four‑way stops until repaired; staff said the Cass & 8th work was scheduled to begin immediately and be completed the following day. Residents were invited to follow up with staff by email or stay after the meeting to provide more precise addresses and concerns. Ending: Commissioners encouraged residents to report safety hazards to city staff; staff committed to reviewing pavement markings and signage at the locations cited and to coordinate any necessary work with the Public Works and Police departments.
