Harvest Heights resident urges radar sign and patrols after reports of 50–60 mph drivers on 7 South

David Merrill of 602 Autumn Court addressed the council during public comment to request traffic monitoring and safety measures on 7 South between Mill Hollow West and 2nd East. "There's an increased amount of traffic on that segment that that do not comply with the posted 35 mile an hour speed limit," Merrill said, and added that he has observed vehicles traveling "50 to 60 mile an hour" around curves with limited sight lines because of trees.

Merrill said pedestrians routinely walk along the roadway because there are no sidewalks and described recurring evening traffic from "high performance motorcycles." He formally requested that the radar-enhanced sign that had previously been stationed near the water tower be deployed to warn westbound drivers and that the city consider targeted patrols during morning and evening commutes.

Staff and the mayor responded that the city does keep a radar sign and would add the Harvest Heights request to the deployment list; the sign is typically deployed for a couple of weeks per request. Mayor Jerry Merrill also said the city would follow up with compliance officer Natalie Powell about tree trimming to improve sight lines and that police could be informed about the request for extra patrols during the 7:00–8:30 a.m. commute period Merrill identified.

The council did not take an immediate enforcement action at the meeting but committed to follow up through staff channels to place the speed sign and to evaluate options for tree trimming and increased patrols.