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Item No. 14 memorandum TO: City Council Rose Beverly, City Manager FROM: Steve Hodges, Engineering Department Manager SUBJECT: Converting 1St Street NE from Two Way to One Way DATE: May 11, 2026 BACKGROUND: The City of Paris Engineering Department, Police Department, and Public Works Department were tasked by the City Manager to evaluate a request from the Director of the Paris Boys & Girls Club to improve traffic safety along 1 st Street NE in front of the Boys & Girls Club facility. The primary concern is creating a safer environment for children being dropped off, picked up, or crossing the street during after-school activities and events. Currently, motorists frequently use this roadway as a shortcut to access nearby businesses, often traveling at excessive speeds. Initial discussions included the installation of speed humps; however, after careful review and plamling, staff determined that the most effective solution would be to convert 1 st Street NE from Hickory Street to Center Street from a two-way street to a one-way street. STATUS OF ISSUE: In February 2026, the Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Paris met with Police Chief Richard Salter, City Manager Rose Beverly, Public Works Director Michael Smith, and Engineering Department Manager Steve Hodges to discuss converting the street to one-way northbound traffic in order to improve the safety of children during drop-off and pick- up times. Following the meeting, the Engineering Department, Public Works Department, and Police Department collaborated to develop a new striping and traffic control layout to accommodate the proposed traffic flow change. All departments involved have reviewed and approved the proposed plan. BUDGET: The estimated cost to implement the proposed changes, including necessary signage and pavement markings, is approximately $2,000.00 and can be accommodated within the current Traffic Department budget. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the attached ordinance to change I st Street NE from Hickory Street to Center Street to one-way traffic.