Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press council for traffic controls on Oriole Street after repeated speeding and a near-miss
Summary
Two residents told the council that Oriole Street is being used as a cut-through and that a city speed study showed an average speed of 27 mph on a 20 mph street and a top reading of 71 mph; they asked the city to study and install traffic controls, offering a concrete barrier as a possible solution.
Jason Zilsis, who identified himself as a Milton resident, told the council during the public‑comment portion of the work session that drivers routinely use Oriole Street as a cut‑through between Bonner and Sanders and near two schools.
"The average speed that they recorded during that 10 day period was 27 miles an hour. The posted speed limit's 20, and the highest speed recorded on a quarter mile street was 71 miles an hour," Zilsis said, urging the city to take action after repeated complaints and police visits.
Zilsis described a recent, high‑fear near miss involving a small child and said he would be willing to finance traffic‑control measures himself. He suggested a concrete barrier at the Oriole/Sanders end to prevent cut‑through traffic while preserving residential access.
Mayor (role) thanked the speakers, said staff would obtain and review the city's speed study, and noted that some traffic‑calming options such as speed bumps raise concerns because of emergency‑vehicle access and fire‑truck operations. The mayor asked staff to talk with the police chief and city engineers and said the item could be placed on a future council agenda for formal consideration and potential vote.
Buddy Fisher, another resident from Sanders Street, supported the account and said drivers often run a three‑way stop near the school at excessive speeds, reinforcing neighborhood safety worries.
Next steps: Council asked staff to locate and share the 10‑day speed study and to coordinate with police and engineering to develop feasible options for the council to consider at a future meeting.
