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Independence accepts CenterPoint Energy grant to install permanent speed signs on Perkinsville Road
Summary
The council accepted a $2,500 Community Safety Grant from CenterPoint Energy and authorized matching city funds to buy an additional permanent solar speed sign for Perkinsville Road; staff described proposed locations and said public works will collect ongoing speed data.
The Independence City Council voted July 16 to accept a $2,500 Community Safety Grant from CenterPoint Energy to help pay for permanent solar speed control signs on Perkinsville Road and authorized city matching funds to buy an additional sign.
Roger Schmitz, a CenterPoint Energy representative, presented the grant award during the meeting. City Administrator Kaltsas said the city applied to support the purchase of two permanent signs and that the utility awarded $2,500. Kaltsas said the city will provide matching funds for at least one sign; WHPS Director Gary Kroells described the plan to install permanent, solar-powered signs in both east- and westbound locations to reduce the maintenance burden of portable units.
Council members discussed placement and follow-up data collection. Kroells said the signs would be located "just west of South Lakeshore and then just east of that road as well" on Perkinsville Road. Kaltsas said the portable signs previously used required battery changes every six to seven days and that public works will install the permanent signs and collect speed data over time to evaluate effectiveness. Kaltsas also noted a remaining funding gap, stating "$8,370 to pay," and said the city would budget for additional permanent locations if the first installations perform well.
Councilor McCoy moved to accept the grant and match city funds to purchase another sign; Councilor Spencer seconded. The motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
The council's action allows public works to proceed with procurement and installation; staff said data collection will be ongoing to evaluate whether to budget for more permanent signs elsewhere in the city.
