NILES — City Council members had discussion during a safety committee meeting Monday over Mayor Steve Mientkiewicz’s veto of a proposed guardrail at Robbins and Hartzell avenues.

Council members pointed out the intersection had three documented crashes in seven years and additional historical incidents.

Councilman Doug Sollitto, D-at Large, led arguments for reinstating the measure.

“If we wait for a tragedy, we’ll have to explain why we ignored expert advice,” he said, referencing a New Orleans case where absent barriers led to fatalities. “We own the guardrail, it’s paid for. There’s no benefit to risking lives over procedural disputes.”

He also warned the veto sets a precedent for executive overreach.

“This is the first veto in 30 years. Council’s role is to legislate, not defer to one branch,” Sollitto said.

Councilman Aaron Johnstone, D-2nd Ward, the public safety chair, stressed taking proactive measures.

“In my UAW safety experience, if a concern is raised, you act. You don’t wait for disaster,” he said, noting ODOT’s conditional guardrail recommendation if signage fails. “My conscience won’t let me wait for someone to get hurt. Three incidents in three years isn’t trivial.”

Councilman Jimmy Julian, D-at Large, said two expert opinions between the city traffic officer and ODOT agreed with no guardrail.

Councilwoman Mindy Devorich, D-4th Ward, stressed liability concerns.

“I don’t want to be forced to react after a tragedy. We have the means to prevent harm now,” she said. “Signs aren’t enough if drivers ignore them. Guardrails are a physical deterrent.”

Councilman Todd Weddell, D-1st Ward, opposed the guardrail.

“Cars have plowed through guardrails on Robbins and Maple before. They’re not foolproof,” he argued. “Speed bumps or better signage could slow drivers without blocking traffic flow.”

Weddell also challenged shifting rationales.

“First, it was about houses being hit. Now it’s kids on sidewalks. You can’t guardrail every risk,” he said.

Mientkiewicz defended his Dec. 27 veto, stating ODOT found no crash pattern justifying a guardrail and noting liability risks if improperly installed. His letter emphasized reflective signage already meets standards.

Council will vote Wednesday on whether to request the mayor to reconsider his veto. A veto override requires five of seven votes. Alternatives may still be explored.