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Ely council tables revocation of Murry Street one-way conversion after debate over safety, enforcement and cost
Summary
Council debated whether to revoke an earlier decision converting Murry Street to one-way northbound and voted to table revocation after concerns about enforcement, snow removal, signage costs and emergency response; the motion to table passed 4–0 with one abstention.
The Ely City Council on Feb. 13 debated whether to rescind a prior April 2023 decision converting Murry Street to one-way northbound and ultimately voted to table any revocation.
City Engineer B.J. Almberg argued the conversion was intended to improve flow on a narrow road and reduce repeated sidewalk damage from vehicles, noting the road’s dimensions and existing sidewalk parking issues. Sheriff Scott Henriod and Public Works Director Mike Cracraft raised enforcement and operational concerns: Henriod said educating residents would be needed and manpower is limited, and Cracraft explained one-way plowing could complicate snow removal and risk blocking vehicles.
Cost estimates discussed included roughly $3,000 in materials for compliant signs (engineer’s conservative estimate) and a broader estimate of $12,000–$15,000 for full signage and installation; camera quotes mentioned during discussion were about $10,000 per unit. Councilwoman Jerri Lynn Williams-Harper said safety around the newly opened daycare made the question urgent; Sheriff Henriod agreed the one-way could be safer but stressed an education period would be necessary before enforcement.
Councilman Terrill Trask moved to table revoking the earlier one-way conversion; the motion passed with four ayes and one abstention from Councilwoman Melody Van Camp. Council members asked staff to continue studying enforcement options, costs and community input before returning the item for a formal decision.
