One-way street request on hold
Estherville will review ELC request in 2010by Mary Ann Menendez - Staff Writer
A fairly light agenda was presented to the members of the Estherville City Council Monday.
Mayor Lyle Hevern officially welcomed Penny Clayton, new city administrator, to her first council meeting in that capacity. He offered her congratulations and a gracious welcome, remarking how the agenda was brief and "that's a good thing!"
Getting down to business, the council received a copy of the letter penned by former city administrator Steve Woodley to Richard J. Magnuson, superintendent of the Estherville Lincoln Central School District.
The school board had requested the city study and consider changing the traffic flow pattern by the new middle school to one-way.
Woodley wrote, "Your request assumes that there will be a traffic flow problem when school opens this fall that a one-way traffic flow pattern will solve.
"Sometimes the solution is worse than the problem if we rush into it without taking the time to study all factors involved."
The letter informed Magnuson the city's streets and alleys committee had recommended proceeding through the school year with the present arrangement to see if there is a traffic flow problem and what those problems are.
The issue will be revisited in the spring of 2010.
Woodley also outlined numerous factors that must be considered if a one-way traffic flow pattern is an option, including:
n Neighborhood property owners' input.
n Lack of one-way streets within in the city.
n Unusually wide streets in this area.
n Traffic signal timing and activation.
n Snow removal plan (all snow will be plowed to the south and east with our one-way plows).
n Signage and pavement markings.
n One or two traffic lanes?
In concluding his letter, Woodley wrote, "We are not disagreeing with the conclusion of your June 1 letter. We just want to take the time to do the right thing."
Taking a chunk of time for discussion was the sign permit application submitted by Hilaria Vazquez whose business is located at 700 Central Ave. The business owner is requesting a sign in the form of a banner that was approved at the last council meeting for Melagros Mexican Store, a brand new business.
Assistant city attorney David Forsyth said, "As long as you are consistent with policy, you can regulate signage any way you want."
Councilman Gene Haukoos pointed out the initial request was made by the owners of a new business. The new request is being made by an owner whose business has been in existence for over a year.
By a 6-0 vote, the council denied the sign application and noted the business can put up a sign that meets code.
In other matters, the council:
n Listened to James Helmick who suggested the council consider the possibility of establishing a curfew for youth under the age of 16. He said this may curb random acts of vandalism around the city. After some discussion, the council decided to check on communities which have a curfew in place. It was noted the issue may be more of a parental issue than law enforcement.
n Approved a sign permit application for Dr. Katie Nelson dba Center for Chiropractic Wellness at 617 Second Ave.N.
n Gave the nod to a sign permit application submitted by Kelly Simmonds dba i wireless at 618 Central Ave.
n Agreed to continue the "Change A Light, Change the World" program.
n Appointed new city administrator Penny Clayton to serve as the city's representative to the Northwest Iowa Planning and Development Commission.
n OK'd the request to remove the public sidewalk at 214 W. Second Ave.N.
