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Hazen City discusses 9th Street lighting, speed‑sign application and train‑noise enforcement; radar purchase debated
Summary
Council members debated public‑safety steps including adding a street light on 9th Street, submitting a speed‑sign request to the district engineer, options to address train noise, and whether to buy a new radar unit or use surplus equipment for speed enforcement.
Council members and staff discussed a mix of public‑safety proposals spanning street lighting, speed controls and train‑noise enforcement.
Staff member (speaker 4) asked the council to consider installing a street light on 9th Street (referred to in the transcript as “Jimmy Street”), describing it as a dark stretch with only two nearby commercial lights and saying improved lighting would enhance safety. The chair asked staff to evaluate placement and bring cost and timing information back to the council.
On traffic control, committee members discussed submitting a speed‑sign request to the district engineer (DMV/district engineer process was described in the transcript). Members noted that while the state or district can place or improve a sign, enforcement of posted speeds remains the city’s responsibility. The group also discussed reflector standards and whether flashing beacons would help visibility.
Separately, the council debated recurring engine/brake noise near the railroad tracks. Staff reported discussions with engineers and said partners had been “sympathetic,” but some members expressed frustration about enforcement limits under state rules. Council members agreed staff should continue coordinating with the district engineer and state partners to explore feasible remedies.
On equipment procurement to support enforcement, members weighed buying a new radar unit (a cost figure mentioned in discussion was $3,600) versus using surplus radar units that staff said were available through federal surplus channels. Staff proposed authorizing designated officers to pursue surplus procurement and to proceed with grant/authorizing paperwork; no final spending authorization was recorded in the transcript excerpt.
No ordinance change or binding enforcement solution was adopted at this meeting; staff was directed to pursue follow‑up with the district engineer and report back.
