Soledad council reviews Miramonte stormwater, approves speed-study updates and stop warrants

Council members pulled consent items tied to infrastructure and traffic and spent the evening questioning staff and consultants about stormwater impacts and speed-limit changes.

On stormwater and Miramonte infrastructure (consent item 12), staff said a consultant presentation runs 15–20 minutes and recommended posting a recorded Zoom explanation so residents may review technical findings; staff emphasized the need to move quickly to accommodate developer timelines but agreed to additional public outreach on storm-drain mitigations for areas such as San Vicente.

On traffic (consent item 13), the city’s traffic engineer explained speed limits are set under the California Vehicle Code using the 85th‑percentile measured speed. “We collected new data...80th/85th percentile on San Vicente Road, north of Gavilan, was actually exactly 45 miles an hour,” the engineer said, noting the Vehicle Code allows a five‑mile reduction only when specific criteria are met; none applied at that location. The engineer added an intersection warrant analysis had met criteria for converting the intersection of San Vicente and Gavilan to an all‑way stop.

Deputy Chief explained the practical enforcement implications: certified speed surveys are required for radar/LIDAR evidence in court; once surveys are certified, officers can use radar and LIDAR rather than bumper‑pace enforcement, which is less effective.

Council asked staff to provide additional outreach and to post technical material online; the consent motion approving the calendar (with pulled items accepted for separate discussion) passed by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will post consultant materials on stormwater and make the consultant available to answer public questions; traffic signage, stop controls and outreach will proceed in coordination with police and engineering.