Petition seeks stop signs returned

Almost as soon as the stop signs on Mineral Avenue came down last week, shopkeepers up and down the street sought their return.

During last Monday’s City Council meeting, Councilwoman Barb Desch said the city’s Streets, Sidewalks and Lighting Committee heard very little opposition to removing the stop signs located at Mineral Avenue and Fifth Street.

The motion to remove the signs was made by Desch and was passed without opposition. The committee agreed to monitor the situation for six months and then determine if the signs should go back in. 

However, opposition arose immediately in the form of a petition by downtown business owners. Downtown business owners said Leland Bothman, owner of The Printing Press, started the petition.

Kathy Backen, who signed as an employee of Achievements, said she witnessed a near-collision at the intersection after the signs were removed.   

“There almost was an accident just recently,” Bracken said Friday. “People have gotten used to the four-way stop, and now that people aren’t (stopping), drivers coming the other way are pulling out in front of them. I think we need it back. It’s the only traffic control on that street (under the stop light at Highway 2).”

Jonette Johnston Tubb, owner of the Curves at 319 Mineral Ave., said she’s confused because she has heard that business owners in the area were consulted by a city representative prior to the decision, but she wasn’t and neither were any of the business owners she talked to.

“Nobody even talked to me about it,” Tubb said. “I was very surprised to see it gone. I was told this individual talked to people on Mineral Avenue, but I don’t know anyone they did. I think we need it. I’m surprised there was not more conversation about it.”

Michelle Swagger, co-owner of the Dollar Store at 315 Mineral Ave., said there was some confusion about the concrete islands the signs are on and the signs themselves.

“When they came in, they asked whether we’d be in favor of getting rid of the islands — to aid the snow plows,” Swagger said. “I told them I’d be favor of that. I didn’t know they were going to take the signs out. I think we need them.”

Christi Ellwood, who owns Cabinet Mountain Furniture at 206 Mineral Ave., said if the stop signs come out there must be a traffic-control device.

“I just really feel like they need something there,” Ellwood said. “At least a yield sign.”

About 40 people signed the petition that was presented to The Western News. The petition states the four-way stop is necessary, and without it, pedestrians’ ability to cross Mineral Avenue is hindered.

Desch said the committee members, including Vicky Lawrence, Allen Olsen and herself, responded to requests to remove the sign.

“Yes, it did have to do with plowing, but there’s the feeling it wasn’t needed any more,” Desch said. “There was a time when youths gathered in the downtown area, and it was needed, but that’s not what the feeling is today.”

Desch explained that Lawrence was tasked to probe the need for the signs, and was given the idea they weren’t needed.

“We have Vicky do it because she seemed to have the time,” Desch said.

For all of the concern, Desch said the committee would review the need for the sign in six months. However, she said if the desire is to replace it immediately, the committee would consider that, too.

“We consulted businesses on one block each side of the signs,” Desch said. “We had two who were concerned. If we need to have another meeting on this, we will.”

Desch said the meeting has yet to be scheduled, but she would let the public know.