Speaking were:
-
Harley Mullins,
assistant police chief
-
Mark Mathon, city
engineer
-
James Davis, fire
chief
Nearly everyone held in common a significant amount of extra work
in bringing the numerous developments to the west side, with Sysco,
Wal-Mart Supercenter and I-55 Commercial Park being the major
projects. Commercial properties are in various stages of progress up
and down both sides of Route 10 and Woodlawn Road from Business 55
to Interstate 55. These developments required extensive planning
that included collaboration with businesses, outside contractors and
engineers, and other government entities. The work has required
major infrastructure design and financing.
Summaries
Lincoln Police Department
Issued:
-
1,222 traffic
citations
-
608 written warnings
Investigated:
- 496 traffic accidents; 395 of those on the roadway and 147
on private property
Crime:
-
2,471 incident
reports
-
495 arrests
-
425 juveniles
processed
The department went through an audit of training and procedures.
On May 7 Stuart Erlenbush was appointed police chief. He has
implemented some of the changes recommended in the audit.
City engineer
Public infrastructure for the Wal-Mart Supercenter included
Malerich Drive, Stuart Drive and sewer system extension, which are
all completed.
For the I-55 Commercial Park, work with and between the property
owners and the Lincoln Planning Commission led to the recent
approval of the subdivision re-plat that adjusted number, size and
layout of the lots. The Aussman-Johnson subdivision development was
approved.
Phase one of the Sysco project is completed, which included the
extension and construction of Heitmann, Sysco and Madigan drives;
utility installations; and drainage improvements.
The final cost of Sysco's phase one came in 2 percent under
initial estimates. This attested to contained construction costs,
Mathon said.
Phase two is under way. This includes modifications to the
interstate ramp, some added turn lanes and traffic signals on Route
10.
[to top of second column]
 |
 Other improvement projects in the city were traffic signal
upgrades at Union and Woodlawn, Logan and Keokuk, and Logan and
Broadway intersections. These signal lights will be operating on
new, energy-saving LED light bulbs and are expected to help with the
city's electric bill.
Fifth Street road project: The city is responsible for a portion
of this project. Hanson's engineering of Springfield is working on
updating those plans and will submit the final report to the
Illinois Department of Transportation. When IDOT has approved them,
Hanson's will develop the construction plans. In the meantime, the
city is continuing to look for funding mechanisms, Mathon said.
The slurry coat maintenance on several city streets last fall had
a disappointing result, but the contractor will be redoing the work,
Mathon said.
For this year's big project, reconstruction on North Sherman
Street, bids will be let out later this summer. The work includes
curbs and gutters, drainage improvements, and new asphalt surfacing.
Mathon said that he has been working with the county in the
development of its geographic information system. GIS helps with a
whole lot, he said: economic development, zoning and more.
Lincoln Fire Department
- 1779 calls; average five calls per day; up 142 calls over
last year; up 302 over two years ago
Inspectors have worked closely with Les Last, the building and
codes officer, on the big projects: Wal-Mart, Sysco and Culver's to
name a few. They have been involved in reviewing building plans to
make sure everything is up to code for new construction.
Davis said his main objectives when he took over as chief were
training and equipment. The department consists of about three
groups, with a few men who have 25-plus years of experience, some 15
to 20 years, but a large majority are under 10 years and need the
education. The men have been getting training. Classes are certified
through the state fire marshal's office.
A cascade system was purchased for the technical rescue trailer.
This makes more air for air packs available on the scene. "Whether
in the city or out in the county, we don't have to come back to the
station," Davis said.
Rescue struts that have multiple uses were purchased. They can be
used for confined-space rescues or vehicle rollovers.
Numerous hand tools have been bought also.
The big purchase was replacing old radios and pagers.
Communications in the field are greatly improved, the chief said.
Annual city department reports continue Thursday with reviews
from Tracy Jackson, street superintendent; Dave Kitzmiller,
wastewater treatment and sewers manager; and Bill Bates, city
attorney.
[Jan
Youngquist] |
