The council’s decision to recommend a narrower roadway configuration stood out as a significant topic during the meeting. The existing roadway, measuring 60 feet wide, was deemed excessively wide by both council members and city staff. The consensus was that a narrower street would naturally slow down traffic, thereby enhancing pedestrian safety. The council considered several configurations, ultimately leaning towards a 44-foot wide street with two 14-foot driving lanes, two 8-foot parking lanes, and 6-foot sidewalks on both sides. The council debated the inclusion of an 8-foot median, which was ultimately excluded from the recommendation due to concerns about increased costs and maintenance difficulties.

The council assessed the potential impact of a median on traffic speed and safety, weighing its benefits against the financial and logistical challenges it posed. A council member noted that narrower roads typically encourage slower driving due to reduced sight distance. While the median could act as a natural deterrent to speeding and add green space, it would also increase construction and maintenance costs by approximately $250,000. Consequently, the council decided against the median, citing cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance as key factors.

In addition to the roadway redesign, the council addressed the integration of sidewalks into the new configuration. Both proposed options featured 6-foot sidewalks on both sides, with an 8-foot sidewalk on the park side to ensure a buffer between parked vehicles and pedestrians. This feature was seen as essential to maintaining pedestrian safety, especially given the increasing size of vehicles and their potential to encroach on sidewalk space.

Beyond the roadway project, the council discussed the city’s comprehensive Safety Action Plan, funded by a $200,000 federal grant from the Federal Highway Administration. This plan aims to evaluate all modes of transportation within the city and identify potential safety improvements. The city also secured a $50,000 state grant. The plan will involve significant public outreach and collaboration with the Safety Commission, as it is intended to be a dynamic, evolving document akin to the city’s comprehensive development plan.

The meeting also featured an update on an intersection control evaluation report for Fifth North Street and Garden Street, presented by a representative from SE Incorporated. The report concluded that the current stop sign configuration at the intersection may not meet future traffic demands, receiving a level of service grade of D during peak morning hours. Various traffic control options were analyzed, including maintaining the current configuration, installing a traffic signal, or constructing a mini roundabout. While a traffic signal did not meet warrant requirements, a mini roundabout was found to improve traffic flow, achieving an A level of service during peak times.

The commission opened the floor for discussion on the mini roundabout’s design, particularly its ability to accommodate larger vehicles. With assurances that the design would effectively support larger trucks, the commission voted to recommend the mini roundabout proposal to the city council, a motion that passed without opposition.

Additionally, the council reviewed layout recommendations for North Garden Street between 2 North Street and Fifth North Street. Feedback from a public open house attended by approximately 24 people was considered. The council weighed the implications of the proposed changes, mindful of residents’ concerns about access to their properties and the potential impact on parking availability.