A resident raised concerns about pedestrian safety for children walking to Seth Boyden Elementary School, particularly at the intersections of Tuscan and Oakland, where speeding vehicles pose a threat. The resident recounted a near-miss incident involving their eight-year-old son, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this issue. The council acknowledged the problem and discussed potential solutions, such as implementing crossing guards and traffic calming measures like stop signs. However, speed humps were deemed unsuitable due to emergency vehicle access needs. The council expressed a commitment to increasing enforcement of moving violations to enhance pedestrian safety.

In a similar vein, the council addressed parking enforcement challenges in Maplewood Village. The hiring of two new parking enforcement officers was announced, which aims to improve compliance with parking regulations. The chief of police noted that the focus would be on stricter enforcement, especially concerning delivery vehicles that often obstruct traffic. The council discussed the potential for increased revenue from parking tickets but emphasized that the primary goal was to improve accessibility rather than generate income. The conversation highlighted the need for better data on enforcement actions to inform the community about ongoing efforts.

The discussion regarding the implementation of license plate reader technology for parking enforcement underscored financial constraints. The council debated investing $65,000 in this technology for an aging enforcement vehicle, questioning the prudence of such an expenditure. The inability to chalk tires due to legal challenges has driven the need for advanced systems, complicating budget discussions. The council acknowledged the difficulty of balancing the need for improved public safety measures with fiscal limitations as the fiscal year ends.

Another issue was the police presence at Columbia High School football games following incidents of underage students being hospitalized. The council reassured the community of ongoing police security at games and scheduled a meeting with school officials to address substance abuse concerns. Additionally, there were concerns about the absence of crossing guards at designated times. The police department investigated and resolved staffing issues, with reports of missing guards decreasing. A proposal to analyze crossing guard placements using anonymous school district data was discussed, but the estimated cost of $7,000 to $8,000 raised budgetary concerns.

The council also delved into traffic enforcement, particularly around school zones. The chief of police reported issuing moving violations for traffic obstruction, with a focus on Columbia High School. The council expressed gratitude for increased enforcement, acknowledging its role in ensuring compliance. Discussions included potential enhancements to traffic safety measures, such as utilizing scissor gates for safer drop-offs and addressing construction-related traffic disruptions. The presence of outdated no parking signs after construction work led to frustration over communication and efficiency in managing temporary traffic measures.

A new parking ordinance introducing a class C parking permit was another topic of interest. This permit would allow residents to park in front of their homes overnight, with the ordinance anticipated to be finalized soon. The council also addressed complaints about illegal parking practices, particularly on Brown Street and Dunell Road, where commuters were reportedly using spaces designated for teachers. The chief of police confirmed recent enforcement actions and agreed to investigate the situation further.