The Leslie City Council met April 21. The Council had heard a request during the April 15, 2024 meeting from police Chief Bob Smith that the speed limit be reduced to 35 mph on Howell Street. Richard Vickers spoke during citizens comments, asking for an update on the situation.

Mayor Mathew Daniel responded that the last update he had received was that they were waiting on the Department of Transportation. “We could go out and change it, but they won’t be able to enforce it without getting approved through D.O.T. Now where that process stands, I don’t know.”

Vickers asked how they could find out.

Daniel responded that Smith was the one handling the process. “Chief’s not here, I don’t know.”

Vickers asked if anyone on the Council had asked for an update. A Council Member asked Captain Mike Allen if he was aware of the situation.

Vickers interjected. “He’s not Council. I filled out a paper to talk to Council.”

Allen responded. “When they ask you a question, you can answer that. I’m speaking now. Do you understand?”

Vickers replied that he did not understand.

Allen replied that he could act orderly or leave the premises. “The Council asked me a question, and I was trying to answer that question.”
Vickers yielded.

Allen explained the situation. “The D.O.T is going to have to come in and do a study. Once they do a study on it to determine whether or not there’s an abundance of foot traffic, if there’s a lot more traffic on the highway, accidents, what have you, once that is completed, then they’ll make the determination whether or not they’re going to reduce the speed, or keep it the same, or increase it. It’s not up to us.”

In addition to discussing the speed limit on Howell, the Council also heard that the memorial brick wall was taken down.

After the meeting, Daniel replied to a request for comment on House Bill 766. “I do not have an opinion at this time.” The bill would provide for a study on the feasibility of forming a unified government between the City of Americus and Sumter County, with the ability for other cities in the County to opt in.