Monticello to address traffic safety along Main and Center corridors

by David Boyle
News Director
Members of the Monticello City Council discussed safety concerns on Main and Center Street, approved by-laws for the parks and beautification committee and got an update on the new website at their latest meeting.
Members of the Monticello City Council discussed traffic safety concerns at their February 13 meeting.
City Manager Kaeden Kulow shared that they’re still seeing people speed through town including a city staff member nearly being hit twice in the school crosswalk. 
Council member Kevin Dunn shared a first-hand account of seeing a semi receive a citation after coming through town at what Dunn estimated to be 40 miles per hour go through the flashing lights in the school zone along with a sheriff’s deputy flashing their lights on the side of the road.
Kulow reported that city staff continues to meet with the San Juan County Sheriff’s department with collaboration continuing, including the possibility of a police car left in town, as well as additional speed shifts.
Council discussed the idea of speed shifts for San Juan County sheriff deputies on Monticello’s Main Street.
The idea was first presented by Sheriff Lehi Lacy in June of 2023. The shifts offer deputies overtime for shifts, with an officer focused solely on the speed on Main Street with the costs of the shifts offset by citations.
Council member Ron Skinner shared that from January 1 to February 13 there were 127 speeding tickets written in the city. Skinner also recommended that two eight-hour speed shifts a month be changed to three four or five-hour speed shifts a month for better coverage.
Kulow also shared that in conversations with representatives with the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) they may be able to install flashing radar speed limit signs coming into town from the East on Highway 491 like the ones located on either end of Highway 191 coming into town.
Kulow also shared an update on a proposal from the Monticello Lions Club in December 2023.
The proposal would place two sets of bright orange flags on either side of Main Street at the intersections of 100 South and 200 South for pedestrians to carry while crossing the street. 
The mounts would need to be placed on breakaway poles near the intersection. The project would require two flag sets at $200 each, with the Lions Club sharing a financial commitment to the project as well as volunteer labor for the project.
Kulow shared an update that UDOT did not object to the project and even suggested a Spring or Fall time sidewalk study to see how many people are using the intersection.
Kulow added that while there is potential for flags to go missing, the Lions Club and city will buy a minimal amount of flags to begin. 
While no votes were taken for action all members of the council seemed in agreement with the direction of staff and grateful for the work of the sheriff’s office and Lions Club. Mayor Bayley Hedglin added,
“I don’t mind being known as a speed trap town, that’s a good reputation to have.”
Members of the council also held a public hearing for amendments to Title 10 and Title 11 regarding Zoning and Subdivision regulations. The item will appear before the council in a future meeting as well.
Members of the commission also adopted by-laws for the city Parks and Beautification committee. The committee is made up of five volunteer members who serve in an advisory capacity related to Monticello city beautification efforts, parks, and city ground beautification in the city.
Members of the council heard from city staff that the new layout for the city website is now live.