Council waives signature rule to allow two speed cushions in Bayview Heights, agrees to work with residents on Spruce median

The council unanimously approved a motion to waive its standard six-signature requirement for one set of speed cushions in the Bayview Heights (Santa Ana Heights) neighborhood after residents turned in just four signatures because one home was vacant and another occupant was unresponsive.

Councilmember Wagon explained the request was prompted by residents' support for two speed cushions on Orchid; staff supported the waiver, noting one absent signature was from a vacant property and the other from a resident who "doesn't want to deal with the government." Public Works Director Dave Webb confirmed staff's support and said they would work with the councilmember and residents on adjacent median design options for Spruce, though substantial landscaping could require power and water hookups.

Residents including Ryan Schlager expressed support for the speed cushions and suggested a roundabout-style monument with signage and foliage at the Spruce entry to highlight transition from commercial to residential area. One resident asked whether fire department equipment considerations had been addressed; councilmembers said they had heard this concern and adopted the measure with staff recommendations.

The motion to waive the signature requirement and proceed with the traffic-calming installations passed unanimously. Council directed staff to continue community coordination on final median design and landscaping.