Iola council debates one-way option for South Street, delays decision for outreach

Council members debated whether to convert South Street to a one‑way street to improve traffic flow after recent chip sealing, but the council took no immediate action and asked staff to gather more input from affected businesses.

Council member Cory presented measurements and said a one‑way conversion to the south would preserve a driving lane wider than 12 feet while keeping parking counts unchanged by flipping east‑side parking to angled stalls. Cory said he had spoken with several local property managers and planned additional outreach to businesses such as the dance studio and other merchants before a formal vote.

Some council members expressed caution. Donna said she was neither strongly for nor against the change but raised safety concerns about large trucks that use the street and how driver behavior could affect any new configuration. Cory noted that similar conversions (citing North Street) required a period of public adjustment and signage and enforcement. The mayor was cited in a text as preferring compact‑car parking while keeping two‑way traffic, but council members said compact‑car restrictions could be difficult to enforce.

Council indicated a preference to hold additional conversations and directed staff to return a recommendation at the next meeting, with outreach to business owners and property managers before final action. No formal motion to change traffic flow was made during the meeting.

What’s next: Staff will contact businesses and property owners on South Street and return a final recommendation and (if appropriate) a formal ordinance or resolution for council consideration at the next meeting.