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Chief proposes three radar speed signs to slow drivers near park and school; council to consider budget amendment
Summary
Tracy's police chief recommended buying three solar-powered radar speed signs (three-sign cost $9,350 plus shipping) to slow traffic entering town and near the elementary school; the council discussed locations and a data/telemetry upgrade but did not vote, treating it as a possible budget amendment.
The city’s police chief asked the council on Oct. 28 to approve transferring funds within the public safety budget to buy three solar-powered radar speed signs to slow vehicles entering Tracy and near the elementary school and Central Park.
“The company has a really good deal on these radar signs … they look very nice … they made you realize how fast you were going,” the chief said, describing sites he favored: Highway 14 at the museum, Highway 14 approaching a crosswalk near Premium Plant Services, and County Road 14 by a new housing development.
Staff said the three signs together cost $9,350 (including shipping). An optional upgrade that provides downloadable traffic counts and telemetry would add about $1,000 per unit, bringing the total for three upgraded signs to about $12,000. The chief said the signs are solar powered and would only require poles or mounting; they would not be used for ticketing.
Council members asked whether state permission is needed to place permanent poles along state highway right-of-way and discussed whether the data upgrade would be worth the additional cost. Several members said they would like to try the three signs and gather citizen feedback before committing to more.
Council did not take a vote on the purchase that night; staff indicated the decision would be handled as a budget amendment and returned for formal approval at a later meeting if the council chooses to proceed.
