Speed limit signs may be changed

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Changes have been proposed for school speed limit signs in the works for the Town of Roachdale.

Town Marshal David Barber informed the Roachdale Town Council during Tuesday night's meeting that was some issues with the school signs. Currently the signs post a 20-mph speed limit when children are present.

Barber said he wants to take out "when children are present" as to prevent further confusion as to when motorist should travel 20-mph or the regular speed limit through the school zone.

"I want to take the guess work out of it, "Barber said.

Barber explained that cities and towns like Indianapolis, Greencastle and Danville have speed limit signs that states from when to when times for motorist to travel 20-mph. After those posted times, motorist can travel regular set speed limit.

Jim Smith from the Putnam County Highway Department informed the council that he was wanting to make the same changes in front of the middle and high school complex.

"How do you define 'children present'?" Smith asked. Do the children have to be in the school building, on the sidewalk, playing on the playground, or having some type of practice to be considered present enough to warrant motorist to slow down to 20-mph.

These signs will stay up all year round so as to inform motorists to drive 20-mph even if it is during the summer.

Council President Bill Long asked that Barber sit down with Tom Casey, the town attorney, to write an ordinance changing the signs as well as providing Casey with information needed to write the ordinance.

In other business, the council learned from Barber that there is an issue with officers carrying radios on their hips. Barber said that Greencastle Police Department worked out the problem by purchasing the radios that are attached to the lapel microphone. Barber said he only wants try the radios out to learn more about them.

Barber also presented Heath Wolf's application for a reserve deputy. The council approved Wolf's application.

The next meeting has been moved to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the town hall.

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