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Residents present 329‑signature petition; council moves to bring ordinance to consider four‑way stop at Merl Hibs and Sixth
Summary
Residents presented a petition with over 329 signatures asking the council to convert the two‑way stop at West Merl Hibs Boulevard and South Sixth Street to an all‑way stop. Public Works reviewed traffic counts and crash history and did not find standard warrants, but the council voted to draft an ordinance and bring it back for readings after public comment and discussion.
A neighborhood petition asking the city to replace a two‑way stop with a four‑way stop at West Merl Hibs Boulevard and South Sixth Street drew multiple residents and supporters to the podium and prompted a detailed staff review.
Petitioner Mary Mock said she submitted an application with 329 signatures citing frequent near‑misses and growing traffic, particularly at peak hours and school drop‑off times. Her husband Mark Mock described repeated string‑traffic congestion and difficulty making left turns.
Heather Thomas, public works director, presented traffic counts, crash history and MUTCD considerations. Her review found the intersection did not meet the standard traffic count warrants—the peak eight‑hour counts fell short on the minor street—and she cautioned that placing a stop at the bottom of a hill can increase rear‑end collisions. Thomas also said the police department had not recommended a change and that site distance was not the primary issue.
Several council members said public safety and a large petition justified further action; one councilor argued the petition represented constituents’ clear preference. The council voted to bring an ordinance forward for readings and further consideration, effectively directing staff to draft the ordinance and return to council.
