Council rejects TSIP roundabout grant for school-area intersections; approves stop‑sign enhancements elsewhere

City Engineer Phil Bergmeier presented two separate Transportation Safety Improvement Program (TSIP) grant applications. The first proposed mini‑roundabouts at Ferry/Findlay and Ferry/Williams; Bergmeier cited crash‑reduction estimates (the application estimated a 47.7% reduction in total crashes for the two intersections combined and a high benefit–cost ratio) and presented studies showing lower injury rates for roundabouts. "The conversion of these 2 particular intersections to mini roundabout is estimated to reduce the total crashes by 47.7 percent," Bergmeier said.

Public comment and council discussion focused on pedestrian and school‑child safety in the immediate neighborhood. Several residents and at least one councilor said roundabouts could complicate safe crossing for middle‑school children; others, including a resident who favored roundabouts, argued they reduce severe crashes. After discussion the council voted on the roundabout grant application and the motion failed on roll call (council recorded all votes as No and the motion did not pass).

The council then considered a separate TSIP application to add enhanced LED flashing stop signs and pavement markings at 10 intersections along East Vine and East Findlay. Bergmeier said the proposal addresses a pattern of stop‑sign running and listed 42 crashes since 2021 that resulted in 33 injuries in the corridor; the project’s benefit–cost ratio was 9:1 with an estimated $1.8 million in monetized benefits and an anticipated city out‑of‑pocket construction cost of about $34,006.95. Council approved Resolution 1752026 authorizing the stop‑sign enhancement application and mayoral signature.