Speed limit decreased

PEA RIDGE — The speed limit of otherwise non-posted streets in town will be decreased to 15 miles per hour. It was previously 25 miles per hour.

The action by the City Council was the result of a request by a resident to decrease the speed limit on a short lane in town in order to ensure safety for neighborhood children. At the September meeting, the Council considered the request and asked Nathan See, street superintendent,and Police Chief Tim Ledbetter, to evaluate what streets needed the lower speed limit. City attorney Howard Slinkard told the Council that changing speed limits required City Council action.

Councilman Bob Cottingham, who had not been present at the September meeting, questioned the action.

“When we first started here, there were only half as many houses. There was less traffic.

We often have requests for speed control in busy neighborhoodsbecause of children present,” Ledbetter told the council.

“See how fast 25 mph feels ... and how quickly a child steps out into the street,” Ledbetter said.

Councilman SteveGuthrie said: “There’s kids in all those subdivisions. I’m for it.”

Cottingham made the motion to approve the ordinance and Guthrie seconded it. It was approved without the emergencyclause.

In other action, the council:

◊Appointed Donna Beaver to the Library Board

◊Approved the ordinance authorizing the saleof bonds for water system improvements

◊Declined to go on record in support of Amendment 1

◊Set a Committee of the Whole meeting for 2 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 5.