City to purchase speed and flashing school crossing signs

Attention speed racers, the City of Rhinelander wants motorists to slow down and be aware of students crossing the street on their way to school.

To that end, the Rhinelander Common Council voted unanimously Dec. 11 to approve the purchase of six radar speed signs at a cost not to exceed $18,550 and two blinking school crossing signs at a cost of $15,023.50.

The radar speed signs are to be installed in the following locations, according to a map included with the resolution: Stevens Street: Ann St. & Gilbert St.; Timber Drive: Harvey Street and Baird Avenue; River Street: Maynard St. and Douglas St.; Davenport Street: Crescent St. and Hemlock St.; Kemp Street: west of bridge; Woodland Drive: Mid-block.

“I think that having these speed signs, as Mr. Jerow pointed out (during public comment), is going to significantly improve the speeding issues that we have in the city,” alderman Tom Barnett said after making the motion to approve the speed signs. “Our police department does a fantastic job but we can only patrol with as many patrol officers that we have, so having these speed signs is an added bonus to help them  as well as the people in the city. So I think this is a great opportunity to improve the situation with the speeding.”

During public comment, Jerow opined that “even if a percentage of people slow down for those (signs) it will get the people coming into town slowing down even more.”

 “It only takes a small percentage to follow the speed limit to get people in line with that,” he said.

Police Chief Lloyd Gauthier reported that city administrator Patrick Reagan approached him over the summer and advised that he wanted to set aside about $25,000 for the speed sign project.

“We do have a speedboard that we use but that thing is over 20 years old and it’s in the shop more than it’s on the street,” the chief said, noting that the locations were chosen in consultation with officers who provided input on areas of concern regarding speed complaints.

“Are these permanent locations or can they be moved if we decide some other place needs a board?” alderman Gerald Anderson asked the chief.

Gauthier explained that the signs “are not meant to be mobile” in the traditional sense but they can be moved. 

Regarding the blinking school crossing signs, Gauthier referenced a recent incident involving a juvenile pedestrian en route to school and a motor vehicle.

While a flashing sign would not have made a difference with regard to that incident, as the police department determined that the motorist was not at fault, Gauthier said it did spur discussion between the department and the School District of Rhinelander regarding certain key intersections and what can be done to ensure that kids can safely walk to school.

According to the resolution, the school crossing signs are solar-powered and utilize a timing feature for efficient use during the school day.

The Dec. 11 council meeting also included an agenda items entitled “proposed Timber Drive speed study,” however the item was ultimately tabled to the January meeting because Reagan, who researched the topic, was not present. 

Heather Schaefer may be reached at heather@rivernewsonline.com.