Council approves multiple traffic-control changes; Cemetery/Ash vote splits 3–2 after debate

The Cottage Grove City Council voted on two sets of traffic improvements after staff presentations and robust debate.

Cemetery Road & Ash Avenue: Public Works Director Faye Stewart described repeated resident complaints about "near misses" and cited an engineer recommendation to install two stop signs on Cemetery Road and a yield on Ash Avenue. Property owner Mr. Lund and some councilors urged the minimum change (a yield sign on Ash) to preserve funeral‑procession dignity and keep Cemetery Road free‑flowing; others favored stop signs to change driver behavior. The city engineer had estimated roughly $1,500 for two stop signs and striping. Chief Chase said he had no issues with the recommendation and supported safety improvements.

Councilor Settlemeier moved to adopt the engineer's recommended pattern of stop signs on Cemetery Road (with right‑turn‑permitted wording on at least one approach); after discussion the motion passed by a 3–2 voice vote. Council minutes record the outcome and a commitment to revisit the device placement if it does not produce the intended safety results.

South 6th Street & Adams Avenue: The council also considered long‑standing vision‑clearance and parking issues at Adams and 6th. The traffic engineer recommended a full 4‑way stop after reviewing six recorded accidents in the 2009–2017 period and sight‑distance constraints. Councilors noted parked cars and vegetation as contributing factors. The motion to convert the intersection from a 2‑way to a 4‑way stop passed unanimously; staff will implement signage and restriping and consider temporary flashing signs during the changeover.

Both actions were framed by council as safety measures; staff will monitor outcomes and can adjust devices if they do not reduce conflicts.