The committee voted to change the speed limit on Spring Street between 3rd Street North and 5th Street North from 35 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.

City engineer Joe Eichstead presented a week-long traffic study showing an average daily traffic volume of 1,385 vehicles and an "80 fifth percentile speed of 40 miles per hour." He told the committee the study, crashes and roadway characteristics were the basis for the typical policy recommendation to set a limit close to observed speeds; based on the study staff recommended retaining the 35 mph limit.

"In the last 5 years, that's 5 years is kind of a look back criteria that we used to benchmark notable crashes, that there were only 3 accidents in that time frame. And then, of course, the 80 fifth percentile being 40 miles per hour, which is within 5 miles per hour of the current speed limit," Eichstead said, summarizing the study and crash review.

Residents and committee members urged a lower limit for safety. Resident Tom Rome said sidewalks were not installed when duplexes were added and described the corridor as a frequently used sledding and pedestrian area. He also noted the street is used as a truck route. Alderman Bridal Austin said the park and new duplexes justified extending the 25 mph zone east to 5th Street.

"I would make a motion, to change to change the speed limit," Alderman Austin said; the motion was seconded on the record and put to a vote. The clerk announced the motion passed 3-0.

Staff noted an ordinance record shows a 25 mph segment in the corridor that is not presently posted in the field; staff will prepare formal ordinance language and signage changes for council consideration.