Committee approves crosswalk at Saint Louis and Cormier, directs study of mid‑block beacon

The committee voted to construct a marked crosswalk on the east leg of Saint Louis and Cormier and to evaluate a mid‑block rapid flashing beacon to serve pedestrians using the new Brown County Library location and nearby parking. Chair put the motion and, after a second, the motion carried by voice vote.

Staff told the committee the site contains an 8‑by‑8‑by‑6‑foot vault that houses a legacy pressure reducing valve (PRV) and that “rather than putting a curb ramp in over something that's legacy that's likely gonna fail in the future, the right thing to do likely is to take that pressure reducing valve out along with the vault, which ... means we're gonna need to remove some concrete on Cormier and then rebuild everything back up.” Staff also said the project exceeds the competitive‑bid threshold and could use TIF funds for design this year and construction next year. The committee asked staff to return with design plans and cost estimates.

The committee discussed pedestrian flows near a nearby bus stop and Nativity parking and the practical differences between an intersection crosswalk and a mid‑block treatment; members emphasized the need for visibility and stopping measures (flashing beacons or HAWK/PA system) if a mid‑block crossing is added. The committee’s immediate action was procedural: authorize staff to plan and design the intersection crosswalk and to explore a mid‑block rapid flashy beacon where feasible. The committee did not adopt a construction schedule or final budget at the meeting.