Kingsburg council adopts resolution to convert Draper and Smith intersection to all‑way stop

The Kingsburg City Council on April 2 adopted Resolution 2025-023 to install an all‑way stop at the intersection of Draper and Smith streets, authorizing Public Works to place signs and public notification signage in advance.

City engineer Dave Peters presented the findings of a warrant study conducted in March that evaluated the intersection under the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and the California Vehicle Code. Peters said traffic volume warrants for both the major- and minor‑street volume tests were not met, but that “locations where a road user after stopping cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to negotiate the intersection” were met because diagonal parking and curb extensions obstruct sight lines. Based primarily on sight‑distance obstruction and secondarily on Draper’s high traffic volume, Peters recommended installing the all‑way stop.

Councilmembers and downtown business owners who spoke during the meeting described repeatedly inching into the intersection to see oncoming traffic. Craig Carpenter, who identified himself as co‑owner of Berman’s Flowers, said of the sight lines near Gold Standard Mortgage, “you kinda have to inch out because you can’t… I still can’t see over the cars that are parked in front of Gold Standard Mortgage there. So we definitely, I think, need it.” Councilmember Laura North said she requested the warrant after multiple constituents and downtown business owners raised safety concerns.

Public Works Director Danny Galvez told council that installation would use in‑hand supplies and pre‑programmed budget funds; staff estimated about $1,000 for signage and an additional $2,000 if electronic message boards were used, for a total of roughly $3,000 if changeable signs were chosen. Galvez said some concrete cutting, behind‑crosswalk stenciling and restriping of end parking stalls may be necessary but that the work would be covered by existing Public Works funds.

During discussion councilmembers said they were mindful that meeting one criterion could prompt other stop‑sign requests citywide, but several members said the downtown, high‑pedestrian context made this location appropriate. A representative of the fire department said emergency response would not be materially affected because vehicles respond with lights and sirens and motorists generally clear the way.

Councilmember Laura North moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Public Works indicated notification signage would be placed prior to installation and staff anticipated installation in April.

The resolution obligates the city to install the signs and public notification; further maintenance and enforcement will be handled by the Public Works and Police departments.