Council reviews Sycamore Avenue speed‑limit cleanup after engineering survey; deputy mayor cites recent pedestrian fatality

City traffic engineering staff presented an engineering and traffic survey and asked the council to amend ordinances so they match posted speed limits on Sycamore Avenue.

Sam Hasson, traffic engineering division manager, explained prior ordinances split Sycamore into three segments with 45 mph and 40 mph limits, and that an ordinance adopted June 24, 2025, created a conflict between posted limits and ordinance language. Hasson said the new engineering survey "recommends a 45 mile an hour speed limit from South Melrose Drive to Green Oak Road," and staff recommended introducing and adopting an ordinance to align the code with the posted limits.

Deputy Mayor O'Donnell, citing a recent pedestrian fatality on the corridor, said lowering the speed limit may be necessary and moved to accept staff's recommendation. Council member Contreras seconded and asked that the corridor be brought back for future discussion on additional improvements. Staff clarified the action was a cleanup to bring ordinances into compliance and did not change the posted speed limits that took effect in June 2025.

Councilors discussed additional safety work for the corridor and directed staff to return with options for further improvements if desired by the council. The motion to accept staff recommendation was made and votes were cast; the transcript records the motion and subsequent discussion and clarifications but does not supply a formal roll call tally for this item in the transcript excerpts provided.

Next steps: staff will ensure ordinance language matches posted limits and may return with additional corridor safety proposals for council consideration.