PIERCETON — The town council approved the Pierceton Police Department’s plan to begin looking at lowering the speed limit in town and updating traffic ordinances, Monday night, Oct. 14.

Pierceton Police Chief Tim Sammons suggested the speed limits on streets maintained by the town be lowered from 35mph to 25mph.

Sammons said the reduction would ensure greater safety for the growing pedestrian traffic in town. He suggested updating the current traffic ordinances along with the lower speed limits.

The traffic ordinances on the books date back to the 1980s and Sammons suggested updating the language and fines outlined inside the ordinance.

With the suggested speed limit reduction being below the state minimum for in-town speed limits, 35 mph, the town would have to “conduct a traffic study,” said Town Attorney Tammy Keirn.

Pierceton resident Mike Adams echoed the need for updating the town’s traffic ordinances. Adams complained about the speed of vehicles as they travel on Market Street. Adams mentioned the noise caused by speeding vehicles.

“Sometimes it sounds like a race track,” said Adams. “When they come around the curves, they floor it.”

Adams offered suggestions to control the situation. He suggested installing a four-way stop at Market Street and 7th Street; and a three-way stop at Market Street and 10th Street. Adams also noted that the double yellow lines in the area of Market Street are fading. He suggested repainting the lines would alleviate some of the issues on Market Street.

“I’ve come around those curves and have people pass me,” Adams said. “I think we need to slow them down there somehow.”

The town council moved to integrate Adams’ concern into the police departments’ inquiry into lowering speed limits and updating the traffic ordinances.

Other business included:

• Sammons thanked the Pierceton Fire Department for allowing the police department to participate in the Fire Safety Day, Oct. 5.
• The town council approved the Police Department’s plan to extend an offer to a job candidate for the opening in the department.
• Town Superintendent Casey Boggs submitted a request to purchase three new picnic tables for town parks. The council approved it.
• The council approved Boggs to begin looking into upgrading the system for tracking underground utility lines and mains.
• The town council approved the reinstatement of a park board to oversee possible upgrades to playground equipment and the formation of a dedicated dog park.