The new signs are hard to miss. Soaring more than 12 feet in height with large flashing yellow lights, Sulphur drivers have no excuse to not know they are in a school zone while in the city.
“It is an eye opener,” said Police Juror Francis Andrepont (District 13), “The flashing signs get your attention.”
And your attention is what the City of Sulphur, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, and the Calcasieu Parish School Board (CPSB) wishes to have. They know that most people don’t intend to speed through a school zone but are often diverted by other things leading them to be often unaware they are already in the zone.
“Instead of just writing tickets, [we] wanted to do something to warn people to slow down in school zones before something happens,” said Les Farnum, Police Juror (District 15).
“The safety of our children is of the utmost concern,” said Mayor Ron LeLeux.
Farnum said the idea for the project was initiated in May 2009, with the first Police Jury approval of funds on June 4, 2009. The Police Jury and School Board made a joint agreement to share in the cost of lights and installation. Both entities then entered into an agreement with the City of Sulphur, whereby the City coordinated the installation and took the responsibility for the perpetual maintenance of the signs, which are placed in school zones throughout Sulphur. The City Council approved the joint agreement in a June 29, 2009 special meeting.
“It is a wonderful situation and a good instance of government working together, “ said Farnum.
“Everyone wins,” said Francis Andrepont.
The solar-powered lights were $3,500 a piece installed. And the City will have an annual maintenance program for upkeep. However, the cost of that program is unclear at this time.
But, according to CPSB president Joe Andrepont (District 12 - Sulphur), the money has been well spent and the purpose has been met.
“We are fortunate to have neighborhood schools in Sulphur,” said Joe Andrepont, “We have a lot of children and parents walking to school. This should have been done a long time ago.”
And many people in Sulphur have echoed that sentiment, stating that they thought the signs were well-needed, said Sulphur City Council Chair Chris Duncan.
“People are noticing and slowing down,” said Duncan.
At E. K. Key Elementary, principal Melanie Kellogg agrees that the signs are working.
“It has been meeting it’s purpose. It’s working,” said Kellogg, “It is slowing down traffic.”
But she stated that the placement for her school would probably have been better served on Lewis Street. The bulk of traffic and its ensuing problems are on that street. Both Farnum and Joe Andrepont stated that they are looking to get another sign for E.K. Key, as well as another for W.W. Lewis Middle School. Andrepont also stated the program will be extended to Cypress Cove Elementary School on Currie Drive in Carlyss. The maintenance for the Cypress Cove lights will fall to the parish and school board since it will be outside the city limits of Sulphur.
Sulphur, La. —
