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Residents press for traffic-safety fixes as council details parking-lot, storm-drainage plans
Summary
Mayor Spencer reported completed surveys and upcoming bid solicitation for east-side parking lots and storm drainage; residents requested speed bumps, crosswalks and mailbox enforcement while the council noted procedural limits for No Parking signs and IDOT control of South Main.
Mayor Spencer told the council that survey work is complete for parking lots on the east side of Walnut Street and Perry Street and for a storm-drainage project; staff will solicit bids next. City Attorney Don Bigham said title work remains outstanding before the city can close on the Moose Lodge parcel on Perry Street.
During public comment, Laura Loos asked when construction would begin and requested that her property line be marked and that cleanup occur once the city takes ownership; Mayor Spencer said he would follow up with her. Resident Mitzi Stricklin urged installation of rumble strips or speed bumps on North Sunset Drive, citing fast-moving UPS trucks and buses. Commissioner Peradotta noted there are no speed bumps in town; Commissioner Hicks cautioned about liability associated with speed bumps and said the city must consider enforcement and legal exposure.
Stricklin also complained that parked cars block mailboxes and that during large events (Thresherman’s and swim meets) intersections should be kept clear; she urged No Parking signage in problem areas. Commissioner Peradotta explained that No Parking signs require council approval only after police observation and a finding that enforcement is needed; tickets must then be issued by police. Stricklin asked for crosswalks on South Main near the funeral home and between the bank and post office; Mayor Spencer noted South Main is a state-maintained highway and that he has discussed crossing concerns with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
The council did not take further action on the traffic-safety requests at this meeting, but the minutes record directions to pursue title work and to solicit bids for the parking-lot and storm-drainage projects.
