Tuesday, June 21, 2011
 
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City initiates FAQ program

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[June 21, 2011]  Monday evening, city department heads offered the first in a series of public answers to frequently asked questions.

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.

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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.

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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:

  1. 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.

  2. Make sure you understand the ordinance -- no garbage may be burned, only firewood.

  3. Be courteous -- notify your neighbors.

  4. Have a form of extinguishment (such as a water hose or a bucket of dirt or sand) on hand and ready.

  5. The fire must be attended at all times.

  6. Extinguish fire at 10 p.m. for courtesy.

  7. If a complaint is received, the fire department may ask you to put out a very smoky fire.

  8. Keep hot utensils out of the reach of children so they do not get burned.

  9. Be prepared to give a hot dog to firefighters if they are in the neighborhood.

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[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:

  1. Pull off to the right side of the road in a safe location (you can pull onto a side street or a parking lot).

  2. Turn your engine and music off.

  3. Turn your interior lights on (at night).

  4. Stay in your car with your safety belt on.

  5. Stay calm and ask passengers to remain quiet.

  6. Roll your window down and keep your hands visible.

  7. Do not make any sudden movements, and do not attempt to reach for insurance card or driver's license until asked by the officer.

  8. Present your driver's license and current proof of insurance when asked.

  9. Answer questions fully and clearly.

  10. 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.

Library

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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]

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