Council asks staff to study audible pedestrian signal at First Street and Illinois for sight‑impaired resident

At a council meeting, a council member requested staff investigate installing an audible pedestrian signal at the intersection of First Street and Illinois after relaying a request from a sight‑impaired resident. "They're excited about the audible signal we have on First Street and 64, and they wanna know how it would be possible to request one of those at First Street and Illinois because they are sight impaired," the council member said.

The council member asked the question during the agenda item for additional items from the mayor, council or staff. Staff responded, "We'll look into that and get back to you," indicating the request will be researched but no formal decision or funding commitment was made at the meeting.

The exchange followed the council's omnibus vote, which passed on a roll call. The meeting record shows a subsequent motion to adjourn also carried; no executive session was held.

The request concerns access for visually impaired pedestrians and would involve review of existing pedestrian signals, technical feasibility, and any permitting or funding requirements. The meeting transcript did not specify potential costs, a timeline for staff follow‑up, or which department will lead the review.

No statutes, ordinances, grant programs, or capital budgets were cited during the discussion. The council did not vote on installation, allocation of funds, or authorization to procure equipment; the action taken was the direction for staff to investigate and report back to the council.

The matter may require coordination with transportation or public works staff and, depending on findings, later agenda action to approve funding or contract work. Residents seeking accommodation or to request accessibility improvements were not identified by name in the transcript.