 City sign code revisions update
Alderman Verl Prather said that maybe he is sensitized to it
right now from working on the sign ordinance, but he has been
noticing quite a number of election signs going up. He voiced a
concern over the timeliness of such signs, saying that many
municipalities have a time restriction of 45 days prior to an
election. He has added a section regarding election campaign signs
to the draft of the ordinance. The addition, however, will only
apply to signs placed on city property and not in private lawns.
He personally feels that we've just gotten through an election
and we could all use a break. In addition he said, "It is somewhat
distasteful to have them out in the holiday season. It's a time of
year when residents are trying to beautify their homes for the
holidays." He would like for people to be able to focus on hometown
values and what the holidays are all about.
Prather reported that the ordinance committee hasn't made much
progress on the new sign ordinance since the last meeting. There
hasn't been time to meet with Bill Bates, the city's attorney, in
regard to some of the language in the ordinance. He said that in a
brief discussion, Bates expressed a concern over the content related
to historical signs and said that it may have to be removed from the
ordinance.
Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs said she has spent time reviewing the
drafted document and sees that there are still some changes that
need to be made. She and Prather would arrange for a meeting to
discuss those changes.
Road closure, force main replacement
Alderwoman Martha Neitzel turned the floor to city engineer Mark
Mathon to discuss topics relative to sanitation, sewers and
drainage.
Mathon reported that approximately two-thirds of the street
patchwork is complete. Work scheduled at the intersection of Union
and Clinton streets this week will result in the road there being
closed for approximately seven to 10 days.
Mathon also reported to the council that the force main
replacement at the south plant was completed and the new force main
started up around the middle of September. Mathon said they have
been in regular contact with the contractor in regard to the removal
of the old railroad abutments and the old force main. He advised the
council that those two items are weather-dependent because there is
no paved access to the area where the work needs to be done. Due to
recent wet weather, Mathon expects that the workers will not be able
to gain access to the area again until the ground is frozen.
Campus View Drive sewer
Lincoln Christian College is asking that the city of Lincoln take
over the sewer lines along Campus View Drive.
The city engineer advised the council that city crews have
attempted to jet and televise various segments of the line.
One segment has a 45-degree bend that is not elbowed, so they
could not complete the work without possibly damaging city
equipment. Mathon said that they did not try to jet from the other
end of this segment, as there was a definite possibility that such
an action could have caused a serious backup of the sewer because of
that same 45-degree bend.
On another leg of the line, they jetted and televised, locating a
root ball blocking the flow. The crew did try to jet and televise
from the other end of the line, but of the total 900-plus feet, they
were only able to travel about 200 feet and again had to stop
because a sewer tap line is not properly positioned.
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Representatives for Lincoln Christian College are invited to attend
the meeting tonight, when the council will explain to the college
representatives the problems encountered and the subsequent answer
to their request that the city take over that sewer system.
The city does stipulate that any established sewer lines they may
add to the city works system must be in good condition and meet with
city standards prior to the takeover.
New fire truck
Alderman Orville "Buzz" Busby told the council that the new fire
truck for the city is scheduled to arrive in mid-January.
New roof for Chevrolet garage
Tracy Jackson, street and alley superintendent, reported that
Webster Construction will be doing the work on the roof at the
city's Kickapoo Street garage and that the cost will be less than
allotted by the insurance.
Crossing guard and sealed bids for new police cars
Alderwoman Kathy Horn asked that the clerk read a letter from
Lincoln Police Chief Stuart Erlenbush. The letter requested the
addition of another alternate crossing guard and recommended Ashley
K. Buss for the position.
Regarding sealed bids for two new police cars, City Clerk Melanie
Riggs reported that the city had requested bids for two 2009 Crown
Victorias with the police interceptor package. Jim Xamis Ford
submitted the only bid. Riggs opened the bid and reported the amount
to be $50,936 for the two vehicles.
Petition for tree removal
Alderman Jeff Hoinacki asked that a petition be read regarding
the removal of a tree for property at 708 Lincoln Ave.
Levy ordinance
Council members were reminded that they have been handed copies
of the proposed levy ordinance and that they should review it prior
to the public hearing tonight at 6:30.
Before closing the meeting last week, department heads were
reminded that they should come prepared to offer a brief report
Monday on the activities of their respective departments. This is a
semiannual requirement of the department heads.
[By
NILA SMITH]
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