Parking and Safety Committee Meeting - December 30, 2025

The Parking and Safety Committee met on December 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included the election of a new chair and vice chair, discussion of multiple traffic and safety items, and recommendations to City Council on two resolutions. Key topics included e-bike regulations, golf cart usage, meeting schedule consistency, a proposed one-way conversion on Bernard Avenue, removal of speed bumps on Firestone Drive, a new traffic signal at Glenn Parkway and Peachblow, expansion of a bus loading zone on William Street, and traffic calming updates at the Curtis Street S-curve.

Consent Calendar

• Roll Call: Dr. Bogan was absent; motion to excuse passed unanimously.
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair: Councilman Ryder was elected Chair, and Councilwoman Frazier was elected Vice-Chair, both by unanimous votes.
• Approval of Motion Summary: The motion summary from the August 26, 2025, meeting was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No formal public comments were received. No letters or petitions were submitted.

Discussion Items

• E-Bikes: Chief Moore introduced draft legislation to update the city's bicycle code, aligning it with state law and including electric bicycles. He noted 29 bicycle accidents in the last five years (2020-2025), with no fatalities and no pedestrian-bicycle crashes. The legislation would remove outdated bicycle license requirements. The committee discussed the need for a public education campaign and plans to address other devices (e.g., one-wheels, scooters) in the future. No action was taken; the legislation will return after review by the new city attorney.
• Golf Carts: Chief Moore stated no legislation is prepared yet. He noted that state law requires a driver's license and that child restraint requirements are lacking. The committee emphasized the need for public education across neighboring communities. No action taken.
• Meeting Schedule: The committee discussed the problem of canceling meetings when public expects to attend. It was agreed to maintain bi-monthly meetings and avoid cancellations. If a quorum is not present, an informal public engagement (not an official meeting) may be held to receive input.
• Bernard Avenue One-Way Conversion: Staff proposed making the north side of Bernard Avenue one-way north and the south side one-way south to simplify traffic flow and provide dedicated parking. The committee agreed to hold a formal public hearing with affected residents before proceeding.
• Firestone Drive Speed Bumps Removal: During an upcoming paving project, staff propose removing speed bumps and installing a permanent speed feedback sign. The committee supported holding a public hearing in February for residents to voice opinions. A member recommended one sign west of Delaware Drive.
• Traffic Signal at Glenn Parkway & Peachblow: A resolution to install a traffic signal was discussed. The signal is warranted due to development and safety concerns at the nearby DACC school. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the resolution to City Council.
• Bus Loading Zone Expansion on William Street: A resolution to expand the bus zone and correct the hours of restriction (7:30-8:00 AM and 3:00-3:30 PM) was presented. The committee voted unanimously to recommend the resolution to City Council.
• Curtis Street S-Curve Update: Staff reported on planned traffic calming improvements including enhanced signage and rumble strips (transverse grooves) for northbound traffic. The committee supported the plan, noting coordination with Delaware Township is needed.
• Traffic Complaints Update: Staff provided a list of active traffic complaints, categorized by priority. The committee agreed to include this list in future meetings and to track resolved and denied requests for transparency.

Key Outcomes

• E-Bikes: No vote; legislation will return after city attorney review and public comment.
• Golf Carts: No action; legislation to be drafted over winter.
• Meeting Schedule: Agreed to maintain bi-monthly meetings and not cancel; informal sessions when quorum not met.
• Bernard Avenue: Committee directed staff to schedule a public hearing.
• Firestone Drive: Committee directed staff to hold a public hearing in February.
• Glenn Parkway & Peachblow Traffic Signal: Motion to recommend resolution to council passed unanimously (2-0).
• William Street Bus Zone: Motion to recommend resolution to council passed unanimously (2-0).
• Curtis Street S-Curve: Staff to proceed with signage and rumble strips, coordinating with Delaware Township.
• Traffic Complaints: Staff will provide updated list at each meeting, including denials.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:20 PM.