Speeding on Star City alleys to be addressed
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STAR CITY - Motorists speeding through alleys within town limits will have to slow down or receive citations.
Mayor Sharon Doyle said a citizen requested something be done about people driving too fast through the alleys. Doyle asked town attorney Tim Stranko to look at the legality of the town setting speed limits and/or putting up stop signs. Stranko said both are legal options for the town to consider and initiate.
Doyle said the attorney reported back to her that it is up to individual municipalities to determine such laws for alleyways in their jurisdiction. She asked Councilor Jennifer Hunt to talk about the alley near her home because it is one that sees the most offending motorists. Hunt has also brought the issue of speeding through alleys to the attention of town council at previous meetings.
This particular alley is between Congress and Herman avenues.
"There are no speed limit or stop signs," Hunt said. "It's a safety issue and we somehow have to move forward with some kind of control. I don't know if it's signs or more policing. There is no hesitation from one end to the other. Someone could get hurt."
Star City Police Chief Glen Staley said if he got a list of alleys council is concerned about, he would set up equipment to determine how fast drivers are going.
"I researched it and the typical speed limit for an alley is 15 mph," Staley said.
Star City's alleys do not have a posted speed limit in the alleys. Nor are there stop signs.
Hunt said she thought 10 mph was fast enough in an alley.
"If you want to go faster, go on the main street," she said.
Staley said without a posted speed limit his officers can only cite motorists for reckless driving, but they have to determine that based on more than speed.
"We do have to step up and do something," the chief said. "Signs would help."
Council decided to review which alleys needed speed limit and stop signs and to post the speed limit at 10 mph. Doyle said they would start with the alley between Congress and Herman.
In other town news:
· Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Perri Jo DeChristopher swore in Star City's newest police officer. Logan Thompson was joined by his wife Ally and their infant son Grayson at the meeting and during his swearing in. Logan will work his first shift Thursday. Staley said this hire brings the Star City Police Department "to full strength of five full- and one part-time." The part-timer is moving out of state soon and Staley said he would be looking for a certified part-time officer to replace him beginning in November.
· Star City Building Code Official Bobby Doyle said the bids were opened for the town's sidewalk replacement project. Parrotta Paving Co. had the lowest of the three submitted bids. Thrasher Group certified the bid and recommended Star City accept it at $779,295.20. The sidewalks along University Avenue will be replaced from the area near St. Mary Roman Catholic Church to Boyers Avenue. Lakecrest Construction has been working on the ADA ramps.
The next Star City Town Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 at Town Hall, 370 Broadway Ave.