Roads committee proposals draw mixed reaction; council tables vote for more paperwork

A citizen Road Safety Committee presented four safety-focused recommendations to Birchwood Village’s City Council — a citywide 20 mph speed limit, two marked crosswalks on Wildwood Avenue, a stop sign at a blind approach on Wildwood/Lake, and solar speed-feedback signs — prompting substantial public comment and a decision to delay any formal vote until the council packet includes a drafted traffic regulation and comparative examples.

Committee member Art Areno summarized the committee’s intent: "The safety involves both the drivers, pedestrians and cyclists and anybody else that's on the road," and cited two speed studies used to support the recommendations. Cor Henkins and Ron Malis described proposed crosswalk locations (Birch and Owl; Grotto) and safety issues near school-bus stops. The committee said police supported several elements of the plan.

Public commenters were split. Brian McGinness said the proposed crosswalk at Owl/Birch needs advance warning signs because visibility is limited. Barton Winter and others questioned applying a 20 mph limit to Hall Avenue, which they described as a narrow thoroughfare historically used for through traffic; some favored targeted measures (crosswalks, stop sign) rather than a citywide change. Several residents pressed for clearer enforcement commitments from the Washington County Sheriff’s office.

Council action: members agreed a formal traffic-regulation document is required before adopting speed-limit ordinances. Cora will tailor a Minnesota-compliant traffic regulation document for Birchwood and staff will circulate it in the packet; the council voted to table the resolutions to the next meeting to allow review and public notice.

Next steps: staff to prepare a draft traffic regulation tailored to Birchwood, circulate comparative materials cited by Justin, and schedule the resolution vote at a future meeting after local review and additional public outreach.