Council adopts ordinance clarifying school-zone speeds, assigns engineer responsibility for signs

The Edmond City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 4,037 to clarify school-zone speed limit language and update which city official is responsible for placing and maintaining school-zone traffic control devices.

The ordinance amends Chapter 10.28 and related code sections to make explicit that a reduced 25 mph speed limit applies when flashing lights are operating or when signs indicate the reduced speed at posted times while school is in session. The ordinance also amends definitions and moves the authority to place and maintain traffic control devices from the chief of police to the city engineer. The ordinance further modifies the city manager’s role language to state the city manager ‘‘will designate’’ school zones in writing, aligning timing on posted signs with state law and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

City staff said the changes were prompted by a parent inquiry after a citation and by a request from the school district to align school-zone flashing sign times and ordinance language. Staff noted some of the existing code language about traffic control devices had not been updated in decades. No public comments were recorded on the item at the council hearing.

A council member moved to approve the ordinance as drafted to incorporate the school district’s requested language; another council member moved to declare an emergency so the ordinance could take effect immediately. Both the ordinance and the emergency clause passed on 5-0 votes.

The change requires the city engineer to place and maintain school-zone signs and flashing lights going forward and clarifies when the 25 mph reduced speed is in effect.

Action summary: Council approved Ordinance 4,037 and passed the emergency clause (two motions), both 5-0.