Should permanent stop signs be installed at site of fatal crash?

Permanent stop signs in the area where an 8-year-old Albert Lea girl was struck and killed last July could be approved in less than two weeks.

The Albert Lea City Council on Monday voted to gather public input for two weeks before possible action May 22.

Temporary stop signs at the intersection of Eighth Street and Frank Hall Drive were approved by the council last October after Sophie Stultz, 8, was struck and killed July 2 at the intersection after she collided with a vehicle while riding her bicycle.

No accidents have been reported at the intersection in the time temporary stop signs have been in place, said Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams.

“Staff believes the intersection will function well if the three-way stop signs remain in place permanently,” he said. “As reported in the corridor review and recommendation in September, staff also believes that the intersection functioned well without the stop signs.

“During this six-month period the intersection was periodically reviewed to ensure the three-way stop was not creating or causing any new traffic or pedestrian issues.”

Staff observed the intersection during two-hour peaks in both the morning and afternoon on March 28 and March 30. Turn movements were documented, and stopping patterns were observed, Adams said.

“During staff observations, the majority of vehicles slowed to a rolling stop with very few vehicles actually stopping,” he said.

The council also approved placing a stop sign at the intersection of Ninth Avenue and Frank Hall Drive last October.

Sixth Ward Councilor Al “Minnow” Brooks thanked city staff and Frank Hall Drive resident Nick Ronnenberg for their efforts during the process.

Ronnenberg and Sophie Stultz’s mother, Sarah Stultz, lead an organization, Make our Neighborhood SAFE, which wants to install permanent stop signs at the intersection of Eighth Street and Frank Hall Drive and make other safety improvements in the Frank Hall Drive neighborhood.

The organization has more than 230 likes on Facebook and last fall organized a petition for the stop signs.

“I think this is a good idea, and I hope in two weeks we come back with a yes vote,” Brooks said.

“I know that it takes a long time, but we’ll get this done in a couple weeks, hopefully.”

Ronnenberg thanked the council Monday for their effort in the process.

In other action, the council:

Declared Nation of Patriots Day.

Presented the Excellence in Innovation Award to Albert Lea detectives Jeff Strom and Ben Mortensen from the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association for the department’s adoption of a retail loss-prevention program.

Recognized Albert Lea Police Department Citizens’ Academy graduates.

Oversaw the oath of office for Albert Lea police reserves.

Amended several sections of the city’s zoning and land use code.