Trustees debate traffic‑code rewrite to curb street congregation and hazards

Trustee Lewis presented a revised traffic‑code draft intended to reduce street congregation and hazards caused by recreational equipment and other obstructions. He said the prior, stricter draft had less ambiguity and that the new exception language (section c) — which would allow recreational equipment provided it does not impede traffic or create a hazard — creates "wiggle room" that could make enforcement difficult.

"I'm actually, believe it or not, more in favor of the original one. It's a little bit more clear," Trustee Lewis said, describing the balance trustees hope to strike between public safety and recreational use.

Police and code‑enforcement representatives warned that vague exception language would be difficult to apply consistently and risk unequal enforcement. A trustee and staff suggested collecting neighborhood examples and any existing call‑for‑service records before finalizing the ordinance. One trustee argued the village's core interest is keeping streets open to traffic rather than trying to list every recreational activity.

Why it matters: Trustees said the proposed ordinance is about traffic‑flow protection and hazard prevention, not banning play. They discussed a two‑track approach: (1) draft clearer, stricter language trustees can use immediately and (2) compile data and neighborhood examples to refine exceptions and enforcement guidelines.

Next steps: Trustee Lewis said he will schedule meetings with the police chief and code enforcement staff, produce a third rewrite incorporating enforcement feedback and bring examples gathered from neighborhoods for further discussion. The judiciary committee closed its discussion and will return with revised language.