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Broken Bow holds hearings, gives first readings on four traffic ordinances to address safety near schools, library and downtown
Summary
The council opened public hearings and completed first readings on Ordinances 1295–1298 to add stop signs and restore a 25 mph speed limit on residential streets after police and residents cited pedestrian and child-safety concerns; council declined to waive the three readings for all ordinances.
The Broken Bow City Council on March 3 opened public hearings and conducted first readings on four separate traffic ordinances aimed at improving pedestrian and child safety near the downtown square, residential blocks and the library.
Ordinance 1295 (S. 8th Ave & S. D St.): Proposed placement of a designated stop sign on the north side of the intersection near Bruning Bank prompted safety arguments about truck traffic passing the city square. Captain Anderson of the Broken Bow Police Department said the department has received complaints about trucks speeding and not noticing pedestrian traffic; Councilmember Russ Smith said the sign would slow truck traffic and improve pedestrian safety. The council did not waive three readings; City Clerk Jennifer Waterhouse performed the first reading.
Ordinance 1296 (S. 6th & S. C / S. 7th & S. C / four-way stops at S. 6th & S. D and S. 7th & S. D): Mayor Rod Sonnichsen described significant population growth in the neighborhood (from about eight households previously to 42 currently) and Library Director Megan Svoboda said 300–400 children participate in summer reading programs and many walk to the library after school; resident Corey Clay described near-misses and collisions at the intersections. Captain Anderson supported the proposed changes. The council moved forward with the first reading and did not waive the readings.
Ordinance 1297 (N. 9th Ave & N. H St.): Councilmember Travis Kleeb’s concerns were read into the record by Mayor Sonnichsen, noting recommendations in the Nebraska Department of Transportation Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and advising exploration of alternatives; Captain Anderson and broadcaster Andrew Lacy urged action because visibility issues and parked vehicles make the intersection hazardous for children and pedestrians. The council completed the first reading and declined to waive readings.
Ordinance 1298 (speed limit on S. B St.): Mayor Sonnichsen said Chief Scott recommended returning the speed limit to 25 mph for S. B St. west of S. 10th Ave, restoring the typical residential standard after a temporary construction-related lowering was never reverted. The council completed the first reading and did not waive the three-reading requirement.
All four ordinances proceeded only to first reading and will return for further consideration at subsequent meetings consistent with the council’s decision not to waive additional readings.
