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Lennox council directs staff to prepare ordinance that would set most residential streets at 20 mph, 15 mph near parks and schools
Summary
After a lengthy discussion on pedestrian safety and comparative town practices, the council directed staff to draft a proposed ordinance for a revised town speed-zone map: 20 mph on most residential streets, 15 mph in park and school zones, and 10 mph through Park Drive.
The Lennox City Council discussed proposed changes to local speed zones and directed staff to prepare a first-reading ordinance reflecting most residential streets at 20 miles per hour, 15 mph around parks and schools, and a 10 mph designation through Park Drive.
The discussion centered on safety for pedestrians and children, the effect of posted limits on driver behavior, and the practical work required to install or repurpose signs. Staff reviewed a map that would add new 11 stop signs and 19 yield signs in addition to new speed signs and noted that state law sets unposted urban streets at 25 mph unless otherwise posted.
City staff described site visits to about a dozen nearby communities and said many now use 20 mph for residential streets and post clear 15 mph zones near parks and schools. Council members and staff debated whether to raise truck routes such as Boynton to 25 mph; several members said Boynton’s width and sidewalks might justify 25, but a majority preferred to keep townwide consistency at 20 mph with exceptions for parks and school approaches.
Public commenters urged lower limits at specific locations. A resident who lives near the tee-ball field said the intersection and adjoining streets see heavy pedestrian use in summer and recommended a 15 mph zone; another resident suggested Park Drive remain at 10 mph. Staff and council discussed Elm Street, extending a 15 mph school/park zone to the gravel driveway near the old football field, and seeking South Dakota Department of Transportation review for lowering Highway 17’s posted speed.
Council direction to staff was procedural: to revise the map and ordinance language reflecting the council’s preferences and return the proposal for first reading at the next regular meeting. Staff also will produce a cost estimate for signage and inventory existing signs to identify which can be repurposed.
Council members emphasized enforcement and signage clarity so drivers understand changes. No formal ordinance vote was taken; this meeting's action was direction to prepare language for a first reading.
