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Council rejects amendment to add pedestrian flashing beacons to downtown streetscape
Summary
Councilmember Ron Schilling moved to amend the downtown streetscape ordinance to add eight double-sided rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) at a proposed cost of $12,160,000; after extended debate over safety, consultant recommendations and cost, the amendment failed on a 1–6 roll-call vote.
Councilmember Ron Schilling moved on May 18 to amend Resolution R25-2026, which governs the downtown safety streetscape renovation, to add specifications for eight double-sided rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFBs) "at a cost not to exceed $12,160,000," including a $10,000 contingency. The motion required five affirmative votes to pass but did not receive them.
The amendment set off an extended debate about pedestrian safety, consultant findings and fiscal prudence. "Safety is the primary concern," Mr. Schilling said in presenting the amendment, urging that beacons provide an extra layer of protection for residents, visitors and downtown workers. He also cited usage estimates at a hospital crosswalk and presented an anecdotal calculation of annual crossings to illustrate potential exposure.
Opponents pointed to the city’s consultants and research that recommended against the beacons. Several council members said they favored the broader streetscape redesign and preferred to wait to see how the plan affected traffic and pedestrian behavior before adding infrastructure. One council member noted that consultants and traffic engineers had recommended against RRFBs for this project and urged reliance on expert analysis.
Public commenters were split. Nancy Stewart said the city had a video of a child being nearly struck after signals were removed and urged that "safety should not be an option here. It should not have a money amount on it." Steve Hendendrickson and other residents urged early installation to avoid later higher costs and to protect pedestrians now.
After discussion, council held a roll-call vote on the amendment. The vote was recorded with Councilmember Ron Schilling voting yes and six council members voting no; the amendment failed.
The underlying streetscape renovation remains on the agenda as previously adopted. Council members said they would monitor the completed design and can revisit additional safety measures, including signalized devices, if later conditions or evidence supports that step.
