Kalona City Council approved purchasing solar-powered speed sensors and new street signage on November 6. Photo by Sam McIntosh.

Drivers in Kalona should expect to monitor their speed more closely in the next several weeks.

City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh presented costs to the city council to install two ElanCity Solar speed sensors in the city. Schlabaugh describes the sensors’ functions, “So it’s going to give you your current speed as you approach it. If you’re above the speed limit it’s going to flash at you and give you a ‘Slow Down’ message. Once you hit the desired speed limit it’s going to tell you ‘Thank You,’ and give you your speed at that time.”

The sensor’s thumb drive can store up to one million car transactions going from any direction, and the city intends to look at this data with the sheriff’s department to determine possible enforcement. The city plans to put up six to eight poles for which the two sensors can be moved around at any time. Considered locations for these sensors are 5th and 6th Street and Nutmeg Avenue, as well as A, B, and J Avenues. The council approved unanimously to purchase the sensors and new stop/yield signage, directional signage, speed limit and no parking signs for a total cost of $43,856.80. The cost will be split between the local option sales tax fund and Washington County Riverboat Foundation reserves. The signage will be installed in the spring, and the solar speed sensors will be installed in about five weeks.