 The program will be presented on the third Monday of a month, at the
end of the voting session meeting of the city council.
The questions will be posed, then answered by each of the four
primary city departments: building and safety, fire, police, and
street and alley.
Answers are being offered during the Monday night meeting so that
they may be televised. Copies are being given to all media attending
the meeting and will also be published on the city website.
___
From John Lebegue, building and safety officer
Topic: Building requirements -- swimming pools
Question: Are there any requirements regarding a swimming
pool in my backyard? Do I need a building permit to put up a
swimming pool?
Answer: Yes to both questions.
Protective fencing of at least 4 feet in height, with a
self-closing, self-locking gate, is required to be installed to
completely surround all swimming and bathing pools greater than 24
inches in depth.
A building permit is required for the installation of permanent
in-ground and above-ground swimming pools. A permit is not required
for portable or inflatable swimming pools that are used during the
summer months and disassembled and stored during other months of the
year.
If you have any questions about the installation of any swimming
pool and the required fencing, please contact the building and
safety department at 217-732-6318.
___
From Mark Miller, fire chief
Topic: Recreational fires
Question: Can residents have wiener roasts, fire pits or
recreational fires?
Answer: Yes, provided the recreational fires comply with city
ordinances.
City Code 5-3-4(E)-1 states the following:
The burning of
fuels for legitimate campfire recreation and cooking purposes, or in
domestic fireplaces, in areas where such burning is consistent with
other laws, provided, that no garbage shall be burned in such cases.
However, prior to having an affair commonly known as a wiener roast
or similar outdoor function any time during the year, the owner of
the property or persons holding said function, shall be responsible
to contact the fire department and receive permission for said
outside burning.
(All city codes are available on the city website:
www.cityoflincoln-il.gov.)
Recommendations:
-
Contact Lincoln
Fire Department at 735-4020 or in person at City Hall before the
event. Give them your name, address, phone number, and date and
location of the event.
-
Make sure you
understand the ordinance -- no garbage may be burned, only
firewood.
-
Be courteous --
notify your neighbors.
-
Have a form of
extinguishment (such as a water hose or a bucket of dirt or
sand) on hand and ready.
-
The fire must be
attended at all times.
-
Extinguish fire at
10 p.m. for courtesy.
-
If a complaint is
received, the fire department may ask you to put out a very
smoky fire.
-
Keep hot utensils
out of the reach of children so they do not get burned.
-
Be prepared to give a hot dog to
firefighters if they are in the neighborhood.
___
[to top of second column]
 |
 From Ken Greenslate, police chief
Topic: Traffic stops
Question: What should I do if I am pulled over by the police?
Answer: Lincoln police officers make traffic stops with the
public on a daily basis. Officers take extra care for the safety of
the occupants of the vehicle they have stopped and for their own
safety. Officers must try to concentrate on many different aspects
during a traffic stop -- one being the stopped vehicle itself for
possible dangers, and another is the oncoming traffic. What you do
during the stop can help make the stop safer for you and the
officer.
Try to take these actions the next time you are stopped by a
police officer:
-
Pull off to the
right side of the road in a safe location (you can pull onto a
side street or a parking lot).
-
Turn your engine
and music off.
-
Turn your interior
lights on (at night).
-
Stay in your car
with your safety belt on.
-
Stay calm and ask
passengers to remain quiet.
-
Roll your window
down and keep your hands visible.
-
Do not make any
sudden movements, and do not attempt to reach for insurance card
or driver's license until asked by the officer.
-
Present your
driver's license and current proof of insurance when asked.
-
Answer questions
fully and clearly.
-
Do not argue with the officer. If you
disagree with the ticket, you can fight it in court.
I hope you do not need this information, but if you do, it will
make for a safer traffic stop for all.
___
From Tracy Jackson, street and alley superintendent
Topic: Grass clippings in the street
Question: I see people shooting their grass into the street
from their mowers. Is it OK to do this?
Answer: No, it is not, for two reasons. First, it is against
city ordinances.
City Code 8-3-6 states the following:
It shall be the
duty of every person owning or occupying any lot or parcel of land
adjoining any public or private alley in the city to keep the same
clean and in an inoffensive condition, and also keep the gutter in
front, behind, or beside the premises owned or occupied by him, or
under his control, free from filth or other offensive matter,
including, but not limited to, landscape waste or leaves, that may
prevent the free flow of water therein. No property owner, occupant
or any other person shall place, rake, or blow any leaves or
landscape waste in any of the public street gutters adjoining their
property owned, occupied or at which a person is working for hire or
as a volunteer.
(All city codes can be found on the city website:
www.cityoflincoln-il.gov.)
Violators of this ordinance can be fined not less than $50 or
more than $400 for each offense. The city police department issues
tickets for these offenses.
Second, as the ordinance points out, blowing grass or leaves into
the street can clog catch basins, which then prevent storm water
from properly draining off the streets. Flooded corners can be
traffic hazards, and excessive storm water can find its way into
basements and crawl spaces of your house or your neighbors'.
Please either bag your grass or blow it back onto your yard.
[By NILA SMITH]
 |
