Council directs staff to bring back 25 mph ordinance for Nolejase after split TSAC vote and limited survey responses

City staff presented a workshop update and council discussion on a citizen request to lower the speed limit on Nolejase. Carol Van Zan, assistant city manager, reviewed the TSAC history: an initial TSAC recommendation on Feb. 26 to lower the speed to 25 mph passed 4–1; at a subsequent council meeting a motion to reduce the speed limit failed 3–4 and the item was returned to TSAC for additional citizen feedback and a formal traffic study.

Van Zan said TSAC later reviewed the traffic study and survey; the 80th percentile speeds were recorded under 25 mph and the committee vote was a 3–3 tie, which staff treats as a failure to recommend. Council members debated whether to defer to TSAC recommendations or act when the council previously requested follow‑up. Several members noted the citizen survey results showing 85% support, and Van Zan clarified that 53 surveys were distributed and 20 responses were received, of which 85% favored lowering the limit.

Council members expressed differing process views: some said items that TSAC does not recommend generally should not be brought forward; others said the council had previously asked for the study and citizen feedback, and with the new data they owed the requester a final council decision. Members also noted TSAC did not have a full complement of members (six of seven present) at the tied vote.

After discussion council members asked staff to bring the original ordinance to council again to consider reducing the speed limit on Nolejase to 25 mph. Van Zan added that TSAC intends to review its bylaws at a future meeting.