Residents call for speed control

Residents upset with speeding traffic in Belgium urged the Village Board on Monday to address the issue before someone gets hurt.

The village’s Public Works Committee last week talked about adding solar-powered LED speed signs but didn’t recommend buying any, instead letting the board discuss it at Monday’s regular meeting.

That’s one option residents support, in addition to an increased presence by the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office.

Trucks and other vehicles aren’t slowing down on highways KW and D coming into the village.

“I think we all see the way people are starting to drive in town now,” Larry Folz, who lives at 842 Main St., said.

“Even with the construction, people go flying past our house, sometimes I betcha 30, 35 miles per hour. You know, kinda crazy.”

Colleen Allen, who lives at 105 Rose Lane, on the corner of Rose and KW, said this is nothing new.

“This discussion has been going on for years and years and years about the speeding on KW,” she said.

“I put up a big sign for two years, a yellow sign, (that says) 25 mph, slow down. It doesn’t make any difference.”

Residents were hoping the board could make a difference, but trustees said their options are limited since KW and D are county roads that the village doesn’t control.

Putting up LED speed signs is one possibility. Trustee Josh Borden said he would check with the county about getting permission to put them up.

Trustee Don Gotcher said he understands the concerns. He lives in the Ardennes  subdivision near KW and D and sees the trucks.

“It’s scary when these kids are going to football ... That’s where all the truck traffic is coming. They do not slow down,” he said. “They come straight off of KW on D — as soon as they get past a couple of houses, they’re booking, they’re going.”

Trustees encouraged residents to contact the Sheriff’s Office themselves about the speeding.

“We’re only contracted for about 40 hours per week from the Sheriff’s Department,” Trustee Clem Gottsacker said. “They need your input and they do listen to you.”

Trustee Don Gotcher said more people contacting the office will make a bigger  impact.

“I’ve found that strength in numbers gets the attention of whatever body you’re in front of. You’re here tonight and you’ve really grabbed our attention on this,” he said.

Borden agreed. The Sheriff’s Office report to the board showed about 250 calls in the village in August.

“They’re here. So part of the problem, I think, is the public letting them know (about issues),” he said.

Village President Pete Anzia said borrowing a sign would be a good start.

“I would suggest seeing if the county can bring out their temporary one and seeing if that makes a difference before we spend all this money,” he said.

One LED sign is estimated to cost about $2,700.

Trustee Rose Sauers asked if a representative of the Sheriff’s Office could attend the next meeting of Public Safety Committee, which she chairs.

“If they hear all those concerns concentrated, I would hope that would have an effect,” she said.

The committee’s next meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18. Village Clerk Julie Lesar said a member of the Sheriff’s Office won’t be attending but, according to an email from Lt. Wayne Lambrecht, patrols will be increased in the village and the office will provide a status report later.

In the meantime, the village will wait to hear what Borden learns from the county about putting up an LED speed sign.

“That’s about all we can do at this point,” Anzia said.