Speed limit reduced on Southeast 8th Place
The speed limit on Southeast 8th Place was reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph Monday night but not before the Cape Coral City Council debated its appearance on its meeting’s consent agenda.
Councilmember Rick Williams objected to the way the measure got on the agenda.
“There was no public input or advance notice and it didn’t go through the Transportation Advisory Council,” Williams said. “I don’t want to quash an idea. It needs debate.”
Councilmember David Stokes, at whose request the resolution was placed, said the area has become a place where cars drive too fast.
“We have 80 signatures on a petition, police have been enforcing the speed limit and trying to keep people safe. That’s good governance,” Stokes said.
“You should use the regular process. That’s also good governance,” Williams countered.
Councilmember Jessica Cosden liked the idea but agreed with Williams that it was the wrong use for a consent agenda item as items place there are not subject to public discussion unless a board member pulls it.
Councilmember John Gunter said he thought all local streets should reduce speed limits to 30 mph.
Traffic engineer Bill Corbett said the road had a 30 mph speed limit years ago, but it was increase to 35 mph in 2006. He added if anything, the road could have the speed limit increased to 40 mph, as it is considered a main route, albeit a residential one.
The resolution passed 7-1, with Williams dissenting.
In other business at Monday night’s regular council meeting at City Hall, Council heard from Utilities Director Jeff Pearson regarding the “bubble curtain” pilot program for the canals as a way to keep blue-green algae out of the waterways.
The curtain installed at the mouth of the Mandolin Canal on Oct. 23 has been tested with dye and sawdust and has show to be able to handle floating material, so it should be able to handle blue-green algae, though submerged material remains uncertain.
The pilot program ends Jan. 21.
The City Council also certified the results of the General Election, made some amendments to the comprehensive plan and the city’s operating budget for 2018.
City council also approved the reappointments of Stacy Lomonaco and Linda Biondi as chair and vice-chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency and Pam Austin to the Audit Committee, while also appointing Warren Peppe, Courtney Neuheisel and Karen Sologuard to the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.
Also, Council did some juggling regarding assignments to certain committees.
Councilmember John Carioscia was named mayor Pro-Tem while Cosden was named the office manager, which has been part of the pro-tem’s responsibility.
Councilmember Marilyn Stout was named to the Budget Review Committee and the Transportation Advisory Committee and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
Councilmember Jennifer Nelson was named to the Audit Committee.
Council also gave unanimous consent to have City Manager John Szerlag serve another year in the position he has had since 2012.