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Raytown approves $34,020 traffic-calming study after split vote
Summary
The Raytown Board of Aldermen voted 6–3 to hire CFS Engineers for a $34,020 citywide traffic-calming study intended to create a local policy and toolkit for handling speed and safety complaints in neighborhoods and business corridors.
The Raytown Board of Aldermen voted 6–3 on Aug. 19 to approve a $34,020 contract with CFS Engineers for a citywide traffic-calming study.
Supporters said the study will produce an objective policy and toolbox for handling resident requests — from sign changes to physical calming devices — and noted the study came well under earlier budget estimates. Robinson Camp, presenting the proposal, said the study is intended to give the city “direction on how we approach different requests” and to produce a protocol for evaluating calming measures.
Opponents raised concerns about some traffic-calming devices and potential side effects. Alderman Emerson said she is “very adverse to speed bumps or humps because of the emergency vehicles, school buses” and wear-and-tear on vehicles. Alderman Krzyszak (Kreuzak) and others cited emergency-response impacts and urged caution. Alderman Walters and others recommended reviewing neighboring cities’ approaches, including Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, to learn from their experiences.
Camp said the study’s scope includes evaluation of different techniques — from lane narrowing to speed humps — and will coordinate with police and other departments to judge feasibility. He told the board that the city had pursued a Safe Streets for All grant that did not fully meet the city’s needs, prompting this separate study.
The board’s debate highlighted differences in priorities: several aldermen emphasized neighborhood safety and the effectiveness of humps in certain areas, while others warned that physical devices can damage vehicles or impede emergency equipment. The motion to adopt the contract was moved and seconded; on roll call the measure passed 6 yes and 3 no.
The study contract is authorized for $34,020 and staff will return with the scope and timeline from CFS Engineers. No specific construction or installation actions were approved at the meeting; the vote funds the study only.
Next steps: staff will work with CFS Engineers to produce the study and recommendations and present implementation options to the Board for future decisions.
