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Council discusses simplifying Lenox speed limits; no ordinance or motion taken
Summary
The council discussed unifying speed limits on several local streets (15 vs. 20 vs. 25) and options for requesting state or county changes on Highway 17, but did not adopt any changes and asked staff and the police chief to return with recommendations.
Lenox council members spent an item discussing local speed limits and consistency across town but took no formal action.
Staff reviewed existing posted zones — including 15 mph downtown blocks and 25 mph unposted local streets — and noted prior local changes that set 20 mph in some segments. Chief of Police and other staff said they value consistency and predictability; the police chief told council he favors keeping a 15 mph posted limit in the center-parking downtown area for pedestrian safety. Staff also said some local streets are unposted and therefore default to the state statutory 25 mph for local roads.
Council members raised specific examples of confusing posted limits (blocks that drop to 15 mph near single residences) and discussed whether to request the Iowa Department of Transportation or county to revise posted limits on Highway 17 and adjacent state routes; they agreed staff should return with specific recommendations for council jurisdiction (local streets) and requested assistance for sign changes or requests to other jurisdictions for state/county roads.
No motion was made to change local speed limits. Staff and public safety officials will prepare a recommendation and possible engineering study options if council desires.
