City briefs    

[SEPT. 13, 2004] 

Westminster Drive residents turned down

Residents of the exclusive Stonebridge Subdivision approached the council in July about a flooding problem. The far-west-side residents said they have contacted aldermen in the past about their problem, which has gone on since the subdivision was built, and gotten no results. They brought a video that demonstrated as much as 3½ feet of water sweeping through a Westminster Drive yard. The neighborhood is subject to an accumulation of runoff from the nearby Elks golf course and adjacent farm fields. ["Council views west-side subdivision flooding video"]

The developer, who would normally be held responsible for this problem, has gone bankrupt, and the residents asked the city for a proposal of what could be done and how much would it cost, regardless of who would be responsible.

The subdivision was annexed into the city and receives standard city services such as plowing and road repairs.

Grant Eaton assessed the storm sewer drainage system. He said it would be necessary to channel the waters toward Fifth Street and the Wal-Mart and Kroger plaza. The costs to enlarge the storm sewer and widen out the ditches and upgrade the flow capacity would be exorbitant.

The only alternative he could see might be to try to send it toward Salt Creek, but that would be too far.

Eaton said at the Aug. 24 work session, "Do what you want to do, but I think it's not your problem." He observed that the surrounding properties are under county jurisdiction and the maybe the residents should get the county involved.

The council unanimously turned down their request.

Honorary naming practices discussed

The common practice of honoring someone by naming something for them has made its way into council chambers frequently of late. Two requests to name roadways were moved on this past week.

It was approved to name the alleyway behind the 500 block of North Union Street the Harold Jouett Memorial Drive. Jouett was instrumental in getting the alley put in, and the residents of Union Street and Park Place wanted him to be remembered for it. Signs will be erected at the petitioners' cost.

Another request, to rename the 300 block of South Monroe Street to Rotary Road, was denied.

The street borders the Postville Courthouse and has one residence on it. Alderman Dave Armbrust said he thinks this isn't a good practice to get into. Though there is only one residence in that block, everyone in that household would have a lot of paperwork to change their address on checking accounts and the like. He and Alderman Benny Huskins suggested that posting honorary signage below the street sign would be an acceptable practice. Armbrust said that there are other option ideas out there that they might entertain as well.

An unidentified out-of-town member of Rotary International was present to listen to the discussion. He will take the information to the local Rotary club. They will need to re-petition to post an honorary plaque or sign, and it will need to be done at their cost.

Elks fund-raiser

A portion of the downtown area including the 300 block of South Chicago Street will be blocked off this Saturday for a fund-raiser. An Elks event to raise funds for crippled children will be taking place, with numerous activities from morning to midnight. Highlights include food vendors, a car cruise-in, and bands slated for the evening entertainment.

The Union Planters Bank has offered their parking lot for additional parking for the event. 

City employee will not be bumming rides off co-departments anymore

The city will be purchasing a new vehicle for city engineer Mark Mathon's use. The current vehicle used for that job is an older model Caprice wagon that has become unreliable and will be quite costly to repair.

A request for sealed bids went out last month to purchase a 2004 utility vehicle.

Two bids were opened on Aug. 27:

• A bid of $21,822.30 on a 2005 Explorer XLS was received from Dennison Ford, Bloomington.

• A bid of $21,614.35 on a 2004 Blazer was received from Graue Inc. of Lincoln.

Alderman Derrick Crane announced that in committee they chose and recommended the Dennison Ford offer for two reasons:

1. It is a newer model.

2. It has more cargo room. The city engineer has a lot of equipment that he carries around to sites.

The council unanimously accepted the Dennison bid.

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