With speeders clocked at over 70 mph in a residential area, Fairfield Police Department asked council for approval in purchasing special traffic monitors during the May 9, 2007 regular session.

“It’s becoming an issue,” Police Chief Kenny Bulger told council members. “Someone’s going to get hurt.”

Many residents use Reunion Street in Fairfield as a back way for traveling through town. It runs parallel to much of Highway 84, and does not include any stop lights or stop signs.

The speed limit for this road is 30 mph.

Council member David Steward, who lives on Reunion near Anderson Lane, shared that he has observed fast traffic in the early morning. “At least four cars have run up into my yard,” he says, as a result of driving too fast.

The hours before and after school were also cited as heavy traffic times.

“It’s a blessing that we haven’t had anyone killed,” commented Council member Randy Johnson, as the group remarked on the number of children who live, and play, along the problem areas.

City Administrator Jeff Looney recommends portable traffic signs that display a driver’s speed, as they pass by.

The plan, according to Chief Bulger, is to set up these signs at either end of Reunion Street, to serve as a warning. Then, position a police car in the middle.

“They will know they are speeding,” says Chief Bulger, “and if they are still speeding once they get to us, then they will get a ticket.”

Although the signs are expensive – up to $4,000 each – the portable design will allow for use in other problem areas, such as the roads between the Intermediate and Elementary campuses.

Another traffic “calming” device option would be speed bumps. This was quickly dismissed, as they could present liability issues with possible car damage.

Ultimately, Council approved $8,000 for purchasing two portable speed monitors.

In other business, Election results were canvassed and accepted in the City Election, held Saturday, May 6, 2017.

Newly elected Council Members were sworn in by Mayor Roy Hill. They are:

Keith Daniels – Place 3,

Landis Bayless – Place 4, and

Kenneth Hughes – Place 5.

Outgoing Council member, David Steward, was thanked for his service.

“It’s been a great three years,” says Steward, who relates that he plans to continue working behind the scenes in efforts to promote and grow Fairfield.

For more information on the workings of the City of Fairfield, and its governing council, download the official mobile app: GO FAIRFIELD TEXAS.

Council meeting agendas, as well as information on how citizens may become involved, is available right on your Android or iPhone.

(Photos by Karen Leidy)