Hudson council declines temporary speed bumps on Ranchero Road after safety debate

Hudson City Council heard an extended discussion about a request to add temporary speed bumps on Ranchero Road but ultimately chose not to install them at this time.

Staff member (Speaker 3) told the council the idea had been discussed at a public-works meeting and that temporary, removable speed bumps used elsewhere could be trialed. "I mentioned that in Elburn, we had some temporary speed bumps that you can put in and then take out," the staff member said, adding staff would check availability and cost.

Council members raised multiple concerns. Members questioned how removable bumps would be anchored on seal-coated surfaces and whether anchors would survive a recent seal-coat overlay; they also cited emergency-response access and a desire to avoid creating a precedent for other streets. Council member (Speaker 6) said he had voted previously to lower a speed limit to 25 mph but now favored a 35 mph limit for some streets: "I did vote for the 25 mile an hour speed limit way back when we did that, and I can't deny that... I think the speed limit should be 35." Several members noted recent temporary enforcement and a speed-trailer had slowed traffic and that Chief Banks had deployed extra patrols in response to complaints.

After discussing alternate measures (reduced limits, speed trailers, increased patrols) the council declined to put in temporary speed bumps at this time. The chair said the council would continue to monitor the area and consider staff follow-up; no formal ordinance or funding commitment to install bumps was made during the meeting.

The decision closes the immediate request but leaves open administrative follow-up: staff will check vendor options, costs and the feasibility of removable devices on the local pavement and report back to the council if a trial becomes appropriate.