Two Greenwood County residents addressed the commission on Monday, Aug. 11, during their routine weekly meeting, to voice concerns regarding the 55-mile-perhour speed limit near their residences.
Daniel "Buddy" Stitt first asked the coun cil to post a reduced speed limit sign or other signage to decrease speed on 140th Street near the City of Eureka’s mixing grounds. He noted that people travel well above the 55-mph limit. Currently, speed limit signs aren’t posted on the stretch of roadway, and it is understood that it is a 55-mph road.
Nicole Glover spoke to the commission about speeding issues on Z50, particularly between Highway 400 and Tri-Corners in Fall River.
County Residents Expressed Concerns Regarding Speed Limits . . . . .
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She expressed safety concerns when exiting her driveway due to drivers regularly exceeding the 55-mph speed limit. To address this, she had placed a yield sign near her home, which she said helped reduce speeds. However, it’s illegal for residents to install traffic signs without commission approval. She also noted that lower speed limit signs are posted through Whitehall Bay. Editor’s note: These signs were not installed or approved by the Greenwood County Commission, as Whitehall Bay is a United States Army Corps of Engineers property.
Glover shared with the commission that she has lost animals due to what she believed to be inattentive driving, further elaborating that she has witnessed many drivers drive by while looking at their phones.
Both Stitt and Glover were hoping the commission would be able to assist with an effort to slow traffic in their specific areas. Sheriff Heath Samuels noted that deputies have patrolled Z50, and noted that travelers were going, on average, 38.5mph in that area. Glover shared that it was after multiple posts on social media had alerted people of deputies being nearby to patrol the area. The commission asked Sheriff Samuels to utilize the speed monitor, possibly over the Labor Day weekend, to record the speeds of those utilizing Z50 Road. Commissioner Mac Obourn noted that he would get with Road and Bridge Supervisor Allen Greenwood regarding the installation of a “Children at Play” sign on 140th Street.
County Fire Chief Glen Collinge stated he would like to purchase Elkhart Sidewinder Nozzles for monitors at both Virgil and Piedmont. The commission approved the bid presented, totaling $1,975.75. Collinge also stated that Truck 46, out of the Severy Division, was having some issues. The commission asked Collinge to have it diagnosed and return before moving forward with repairs. Collinge lastly shared that the training center is complete and volunteer firefighters would begin utilizing the space.
A brief discussion was held regarding various roads and bridges including the bridge on 150th Street, also referred to as the 7th Street Bridge. Commissioner Judd Everitt shared that after hearing from Engineer Michael Marris, the bridge was on the list to be replaced. Everitt also noted that moving forward the Township Trustees should be the ones to communicate with Greenwood and/or County Counselor Paul Dean if merited. It was also noted that if the county does maintenance or repairs to approaches, they would need to bill back the townships. It was noted that a recent repair wasn’t completed as the township wanted to verify responsibility before moving forward. “If you don’t want to learn, you are going to be in the dark,” stated Commissioner Roy Ballard, referring to the township meetings that are scheduled but scarcely attended by township members.
Commissioners Everitt and Ballard also noted a culvert on EE Road, near Lamont, that they believe will be replaced with a larger culvert, which should help alleviate washouts.
Sheriff Samuels informed the commission about a recent incident in Eureka where a patrol vehicle, specifically the K-9 unit, was backed into on Main Street. An insurance adjuster has evaluated the damage, but the final report hasn’t yet been received. Depending on the findings, Samuels indicated he may be looking at purchasing another vehicle.
The commission held a 5-minute executive session for legal matters, noting pending litigation as the justification, with County Counselor Dean. No action was taken.
The Aug. 4 meeting minutes and special payables for Aug. 11, totaling $11,238.64, were approved as presented.
Commissioner Preston Evenson was absent from the Aug. 11 meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:07 a.m.
Their next scheduled meeting is Monday, Aug. 18, at 9 a.m.
