Commission approves temporary speed‑cushion demonstrations under Vision Zero grant

Presenter told the commission the city has a grant that can fund temporary demonstration projects tied to the city's Safer Streets safety action plan and a Vision Zero objective “to eliminate fatalities on our roadways” for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. The staff packet identified potential demonstration locations on Pine Street, Nickel Street (near a school) and Pearl Street and described temporary speed cushions that allow emergency vehicles to straddle the device.

Staff said the demonstrations would include baseline traffic data collection, a two‑month installation and follow‑up counts to measure effect. Consultants warned about operational details—particularly snow clearing—but said other municipalities have successfully installed both temporary and permanent cushions and that plows can operate with permanent cushions in place. Commissioners asked about school‑hour impacts, snowplow clearance and whether temporary devices would be robust enough for winter conditions; staff said the demonstration is intended to surface exactly those questions.

Commissioner Rob moved that staff proceed with procurement and installation of the demonstration cushions as soon as practicable so data will be available for review this fall; the motion carried by voice vote. The commission directed staff to collect baseline traffic counts before installation, document procurement costs charged to the grant, and report results at the September meeting or the next available session if scheduling requires.