Mayor Butch Berry said Monday that citizens who live on East Mountain had testified to council about the problems they experience with speeders. Berry told council that city hall has been responding to citizens and ESPD has been monitoring traffic.
Speed bumps cost $7,500 each, and he has applied for a $75,000 grant to purchase speed ramps for E. Mountain and other streets. He said the city could put in two speed bumps first to find the most effective locations, then install speed ramps when grant money arrived. He mentioned there was speed limit signage on the street.
Alderman Terry McClung asked about cameras for identifying speeders. He said he knew from personal experience they work. Berry replied he could check into it, but there is a vandalism problem with cameras in other locations.
Aldermen also noted there were weddings at the overlook, which added to the traffic.
Alderman Kristi Kendrick asked if the problem were exacerbated by the scenic overlook sign on US 62 directing extra traffic down East Mountain. Alderman James DeVito commented that most scenic overlooks he has seen were not in residential areas. He thought the sign should come down because it negatively impacts safety of residents and does not benefit the city.
Alderman David Mitchell disagreed, advocating for speed bumps. DeVito observed the sign has been up for a year, and now council is hearing complaints about the traffic.
Kendrick moved to ask the state to remove the sign, and DeVito seconded her motion, but they were the only aldermen to vote Yes. Berry will move forward with speed bumps.