From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — On Tuesday, the City Council in Trussville passed a resolution to declare a 90-day moratorium on new massage therapy establishments in the city to allow time to review the ordinance.
Following the meeting, Mayor Buddy Choat and Councilman Alan Taylor said the move would allow the city the chance to review the current ordinance and consider any changes or improvements that may be required.
Massage therapy establishments must meet city ordinance Section 7.5 of the city code.
The ordinance outlines the required licensing necessary to conduct business, as well as the physical requirement of the building and massage rooms, and how employees must dress and conduct themselves with clients. The ordinance also outlines record keeping requirements.
Section 7.5-3 N. establishes hours of operation as 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At least two facilities are currently advertising hours as late as 10 p.m.
In other action, the council approved three-way stop signs on Poston Road and Cahaba Manor Drive, and at the intersection of Ridgewood Drive and Hemlock Street, as recommended by the Public Safety Committee.
The council also voted unanimously to change the speed limit for Queenstown Road from 25 mph to 35 mph, and to change the speed limit on Green Drive from 30 mph to 45 mph. The increase comes after a recommendation from the Public Safety Committee, which followed a study conducted by the police department.
Police Chief Eric Rush said studies show that the speed on roads does not measurably change after the speed limit is raised. People tend to drive at a speed they feel comfortable and safe, he said.
The change will keep the Queenstown Road speed limit constant as it passes through multiple jurisdictions.
Queenstown resident Mike Jenne addressed the council with concerns of how laws are enforced throughout the city.
Jenne said despite sharp curves and hills that create blind spots on Queenstown Road, he thinks 35 mph is an acceptable speed if it’s enforced. He said laws are unequally enforced throughout the city and expressed concern that raising the speed limit will only give drivers a license to go faster without proper enforcement.