Council holds first reading to lower speed limits on Powell and Cascade avenues

The River Falls City Council held a public hearing and first reading on Nov. 11 on an ordinance to reduce speed limits on Powell and Cascade avenues.

During public comment, a resident asked whether Winter Street could be included; staff replied that it was not part of the present ordinance but could be considered later. The chief and other staff said the implementation plan would emphasize public education: "Enforcement would be less. Education's primary," one staff member said, and the city would use speed trailers and flags to notify motorists. Staff also said they would coordinate messaging with the university for Cascade Avenue.

Council members asked about outreach and monitoring; public works and police staff said they have equipment to monitor traffic and that engineering standards and traffic counts would inform additional requests. Because the item was at first reading, the council did not take a final vote that evening.