Waverly council adopts emergency ordinance creating three-way stop at Cl and Walnut to address school safety

Council read and acted on Ordinance 75-2024 on Aug. 21, an emergency measure to create a three-way stop at the intersection of Cl Street and Walnut Street to enhance safety with the start of the school year. The ordinance states the change is an emergency "due to school starting," and directs installation of the third stop sign at the intersection.

Council members engaged in extended discussion about the proposal’s safety trade-offs. Several members said they supported immediate action to slow traffic near the school but worried that adding a stop sign on a hill could confuse drivers and create new hazards. Alternatives raised included installing flashing solar-powered lights, marking a school-zone speed reduction during school hours, improving crosswalks, rumble strips or pavement treatments, and temporarily testing signage on weekends with police observation before making the change permanent.

Officer Kichel, asked for input by council, said there are many regulatory options for school zones beyond a stop sign, including crosswalk and speed-limit configurations, and that some measures can be implemented without adding a stop sign.

During the roll-call vote, one member recorded a 'no' vote and the ordinance passed. Council members said the measure was intended as an immediate step to reduce risk to children and that the council would monitor the intersection’s performance and amend the configuration later if needed.

Why it matters: The intersection serves students walking to school; the ordinance is an emergency action aimed at an imminent safety concern. Council discussion showed attention to both quick mitigation and the need for follow-up evaluation.

Next steps: Street department to install signage per the ordinance and council to review performance and consider further changes or amendments based on observed results and enforcement capabilities.