 Fifth Street trafficTraffic on Fifth Street has been an
increasing frustration for motorists waiting to cross at
intersections during peak times in the day. It is becoming a
motorist hazard that could be alleviated by traffic signals.
The intersection of Fifth Street and College Street has been
identified as a key location for a signal. Lincoln's streets
chairman, Dave Armbrust, said that at the request of the city an
Illinois Department of Transportation study was performed at that
intersection, and the results have just returned.
A traffic count determined that a traffic signal is not warranted
at this time. The IDOT report did say that they expect that as the
city grows, this will be needed within five years. IDOT has added it
to the city's improvement program.
Animal control
Sanitation chairman Melody Anderson said that she had met with
representatives of the Humane Society of Logan County and with the
state director of prison ministries, "just to explore the
possibilities of animal control in Lincoln/Logan County." She said
there was nothing to report yet, but that she would keep the council
posted.
Zoning request
Sometime in its past an area of Lincoln had an unusual zoning
applied to it that occasionally creates an issue. Such is the case
at 1501 N. Sangamon St. Owners of the property are requesting that
the zoning be changed from I-2 (heavy industrial) to I-1 (light
industrial). A major difference in the two zoning designations is
that if an I-2 is destroyed, it cannot be reconstructed. This can
create a drawback if trying to sell a property.
The current request, from Home Sales Inc., of Deerfield, Fla.,
passed the Lincoln Planning Commission unanimously on July 17. It
has been put on Monday's council agenda for a vote.
The Art of Wine
Main Street Lincoln has petitioned for street closing downtown in
order to once again host the Art of Wine during the Lincoln Art &
Balloon Festival this year. Last year the tent had over 4,000
visitors.
Eight Illinois vineyards will be featured, and there will be
evening entertainment.
Hours would be:
-
Saturday, Aug. 23,
11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
-
Sunday, Aug. 24,
11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Citizen's observations
A citizen came before the council with a couple of concerns.
James Reynolds said that he and his wife are enjoying living in
Lincoln, but that he had a few concerns for the city to consider.
Reynolds noticed several intersections in town that had
obstructions to viewing traffic. He suggested that these could lead
to accidents that could be prevented, and also the city might be
held liable if the situations were not dealt with.
The viewing obstruction at a couple of the intersections involved
trees, and city streets superintendent Tracy Jackson has responded
already, he said.
A remaining concern is at the intersection at Pekin and Logan
streets, where the view of traffic is blocked by a partial retaining
wall. Reynolds wondered what could be done before there would be a
serious accident.
City engineer Mark Mathon said that Logan Street is a state
route. As such, the city does not have jurisdiction over it. He said
that on Wednesday he would look into the possibilities of what might
be done.
Alderman Buzz Busby thanked Reynolds for his observations. "We
appreciate it," he said. "Extra eyes in town are particularly
appreciated."
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Reynolds is retired and works out at the Lincoln Park District's
Recreation Center. In his next comments, he first said, "I think, by
and large, the fire department is doing an excellent job."
But, he noted that he often sees firemen out at the Rec to
exercise while they are on duty, and they leave their trucks running
while they work out.
He had several concerns about this practice. He questioned if it
might put them too far out of range to respond as quickly if called
out; if leaving the trucks running was a poor use of fuel; and if
the firemen shouldn't be expected to keep up their fitness during
off-duty time.
Fire chairman Jonie Tibbs responded by saying that the fire
station is just two miles away; the Lincoln Park District offers the
department a reduced rate so firemen can stay fit; the state of
Illinois requires them to stay fit; they are always ready to go; and
it costs less for the trucks to idle than to start up. "Like it or
not, our firemen are probably the best of the best around," she
said.
She recalled a recent incident where their performance was
outstanding. Fire Chief Kent Hulett and two firemen were present at
the circus when threatening weather required moving the crowd to
safe places. They did a great job.
A man's heart stopped during that event, but he was revived by
the firemen, and "this man is living today," Tibbs said.
She would not support changing their fitness routine. "I am not
going to gripe or groan" about the firemen going out to the Rec to
stay fit for us, she said.
As she finished, Alderman Buzz Busby intoned, "Hear, hear!"
Policy change eliminates sewer cleaning of non-city property
A request from Mr. Short was made to the city regarding jet
sewers at a state government location on Lincoln's south side. The
matter was tabled at last week's voting session until it could be
discussed further.
Alderman Buzz Busby noted that the city just spent $200,000
upgrading the south plant lift station. The state contributed $0.
City attorney Bill Bates reminded the council that the city's
policy is not to pump private sewers, as there could be damage to
the private line and the city could be held liable for that.
Busby added that it could also lead to the city's equipment being
damaged.
Sewer manager Dave Kitzmiller observed that the city did help
them out three years ago, but that the city's policy has changed
since then.
No, no new signs
A request to the council for a sign permit was discussed. Zion
Lutheran School would like to replace an old sign on their building.
A school representative first requested a sign permit from the
city's building codes office, which was denied by code enforcement
officer Lester Last. Last was following protocol since the city
issued a moratorium on all sign permits while the ordinance is being
rewritten.
Bates reminded the council that no new permits could be issued
until the new ordinance is put into place. It was stated when the
moratorium was put in place that the ordinance could possibly be
done by Aug. 15. Bates confirmed this week that he expects it to be
ready next month.
The moratorium was issued when it was noticed that some
unfitting-to-surroundings and distractingly large billboards were
going up inside city limits. The past billboards and signs
ordinances were interlinked. There would be some separation between
them in the new ordinance.
[By JAN YOUNGQUIST]
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