The Charleston City Council unanimously voted to reduce the speed limit on Fourth Street to 20 mph during Tuesday’s meeting.

City Council Member Larry Rennels said other ordinance changes will be coming before the city council in the near future to address the issue of pedestrian safety in other parts of Charleston.

Dan Nadler, the vice president for student affairs, also spoke before the council, stating Eastern was in support of the change.

“This year in particular, the improvements have been very dramatic and extremely successful,” Nadler said.

Nadler said the difference between driving down Fourth Street at 30 mph versus 20 mph is 23 seconds.

Nadler said he noticed more drivers driving slower and more courteous pedestrians since the new safety measures have been put in place.

Ken Baker, the director of campus recreation, said as a lifelong resident of Charleston and 20-year employee of Eastern, he is driving down Fourth Street everyday.

“We do thank you for the improvement of Fourth Street,” Baker said.

Rennels said he has heard citizens voice concern over the speed limit change, but believes most people are voicing concern out of frustration for having more restrictions put on Fourth Street when pedestrians are not as careful as they should be.

City Manager Scott Smith said he does not see a substantial change in the speed limit, so Smith said he does not see a big change in the new ordinance.

Joel Ranson, the electrical inspector with the city of Charleston, received a letter of commendation from the Charleston Fire Department.

Ranson was driving past apartments on Sixth Street on Jan. 20 when he said he noticed the building smoking and preceded to call the police.

After calling emergency services, Ranson said he began knocking on doors, alerting residents of the fire.

Gail Mason, a retired communication studies professor at Eastern, addressed the council on Tuesday about issues she has with the Charleston Police Department’s Facebook page.

Mason said she feels the individuals whose mug shots and alleged crimes that have been posted on the page are being subjected to public humiliation, harm to future opportunities and emotional harm to families.

The council also approved the purchase of a new influent pump at the Waste Water Treatment Plant, which was designated as an emergency purchase.

The council also unanimously passed a resolution that allowed students intern services from Eastern to be provided for the city of Charleston Waste Water Treatment Plant.

“For a number of years, we have used students as interns on a part time basis,” Rennels said.

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.