Traffic Safety Commission recommends parking changes; city staff working on e‑bike ordinance

At the May 4 meeting the Traffic Safety Commission reported on seven citizen‑raised topics and recommended several changes to improve sight lines and safety. The commission said it will restrict north‑side parking on Water Street and open additional south‑side parking (adding about four on‑street spaces) to address visibility concerns. Other recommendations included removing parking near the Barton Avenue/Main Street intersection, parking restrictions at Barton Ave and Parkfield, and stop signs for new subdivisions including South 18th and Kingfisher/Progress Drive.

Commission members said many requests come from citizens through the commission's referral process; staff noted that a small share of requests are handled administratively when issues are straightforward. The council was told the proposed changes will be reflected in an amended traffic manual at a future meeting.

Separately, the city administrator reported staff are developing an e‑bike ordinance to address speed and safety concerns, and that the effort includes consultation with police, parks and forestry and other stakeholders; an ordinance proposal is expected to be brought forward before summer.

Council members also received a personnel update: 49 applications were received for the parks and recreation supervisor vacancy, with staff aiming to fill the position by June or July after interviews and pre‑employment screening.