Motorists speeding down Westside Avenue may soon find that drive a little bumpier.
At the request of some of the residents along that stretch, who are concerned about vehicles speeding past their homes, the aldermen voted 4-0 to install two speed bumps.
Resident Brandy West said, "This is a safety concern as we have to check our mail by standing in the streets."
Alderman Gary Fratesi questioned if more than two were needed initially, but they opted for the two with the possibility of a third later on. Alderman Darrell Simpson was not present during that vote.
At the beginning of the conversation, Mayor Steve Rosenthal had stated that he had some safety concerns regarding the installation of speed bumps based on the excessive speeds that drivers now have a tendency to exert on that particular street.
Rosenthal asked Chief Edrick Hall if a study was needed to determine if the speed deterrents would be required and Hall said he and his officers were already aware of the speeding problem on Westside and speeding tickets have been and are being written, so he has no problem with proceeding with the installation of the speed bumps.
He said, “That area has been this way for years. That's the way people come in the back way from Greenville, coming in, going out, leaving Dollar General, so it does have a lot of traffic in that particular area."
Alderman Sam Brock mentioned what he felt like was a lack of police patrols in that area, but was assured by the residents that they have seen officers patrolling the area and thanked Hall for his support of their concerns.
Hall noted that the key is to determine what times the motorists are most likely to speed. Rosenthal stated that based on his conversations with the residents, it seems to be happening during the shift changes at the Dollar General Warehouse.
Alderman Ruben Woods suggested installing the electronic speed indicators that the city has purchased as an alternative to the speed bumps. However, Hall said he doesn't believe those speed monitors would be effective as a deterrent, but could be useful in giving them data on when the speeding is actually happening.
In addition to the speeding, resident Cindy Murphy mentioned that some of the motorists are also ignoring the double solid lines and passing illegally. "Somebody's going to get hurt, definitely," she said.
In other business,
The city officials also voted to continue with the current emergency proclamation as is, without any changes.
At the request of Alderman Gary Fratesi, it was also approved that the city leaders would draft a letter to the Mississippi State Department of Health, similar to the one proposed by the Sunflower County Supervisors, requesting that a coronavirus vaccination site be established in Indianola or at least that transportation assistance to other sites be provided.
The city fathers approved Alderman Sam Brock’s recommendation that citizen Victor Byas fill the open seat on the Indianola Tourism Commission.
On a majority decision by three aldermen, it was also approved to now require all visitors to the Hough-Dement animal shelter to sign in and out upon arrival and departure.
Alderman Ruben Woods abstained from the vote and Alderman Darrell Simpson was not present at the time.
It was also discussed to have the shelter volunteers undergo a local background check before being allowed to volunteer, but that matter was tabled until the next meeting after
Brock raised a question regarding the legality of it and said he wanted to hear the city attorney's opinion on it before they vote. Alderman Marvin Elder asserted that it was a necessary move.
Elder also addressed the issue of the chain of command at the shelter emphasizing that newly appointed Director Nancy Amaro should be the only one doling out orders to city employees.
Fratesi mentioned that Elder’s concern had already been addressed previously and Rosenthal concurred that Amaro is the one in charge and although she can receive advice from others, it would be up to her if she decides to follow it.
No action was taken on the matter because Rosenthal said he didn't feel as though it needed a motion.
