Council ponders new Broadway crosswalk light

    More information is being gathered on Chase County Schools’ request of city officials to approve a flashing crosswalk light at 9th and Broadway Streets.
    Monday night’s council meeting was the second time CCS officials have approached the city on the subject.
    However, council members asked Supt. Adam Lambert to gather more information, specifically on number of students who live on each side of Broadway and would potentially use the crosswalk. They’d also like to know how many students are picked up and taken home by the in-town school busses.
    It was uncertain whether the manual push button equipment required was included in the estimated $10,000 to $15,000 cost for the Rapid Flash Beacon units, so that will be researched.
    Council President Charlesa Kline asked Lambert if the school has provided any safety education to the students.
    Lambert said the crosswalk beacon suggestion came out of a CCS health and safety committee meeting.
    He said patrons have told him safety at that intersection has long been a concern. While there is a light there now that flashes in the morning and after school, Lambert said “it’s pretty dated,” and questioned  whether patrons have become used to its regular flashing.
    The light there now doesn’t have a push button that alerts drivers to stop at that time.
    After a traffic study was done at the intersection last summer at his request, Lambert said Nebraska Department of Transportation officials approved a lighting system like Lambert suggested.
    He noted with the pool  located by the school now, that adds more youths crossing at that intersection than when a previous traffic study was done.
    The Rapid Flash Beacon system Lambert proposes would only flash when someone hits the push button.
    Kline puts the responsibility elsewhere.
    “I really struggle with this. Parents should be teaching their children how to properly navigate traffic,” Kline said.
    “It’s up to the licensed operator of the vehicle just as much,” she added.
    Kline also said the recent addition of a radar speed sign one block north of that intersection is intended to slow down traffic.
    Council member Chad Yaw said he didn’t have a problem with the school’s request.
    If it is approved eventually, he suggested CCS could use the current lights somewhere if needed.
    When asked by council member Doug Gaswick, Lambert said he thought the school would help pay for the new alert system if approved.
Citizen notification system
    The council discussed a citizen notification system that could alert residents on information of immediate nature.
    It also has an option for residents to text the city with concerns after hours.
    City Clerk/Administrator Jo Leyland brought up the TextMyGov software at the last meeting, and it was further discussed Monday, but no action was taken.
    Leyland said some of the options available with TextMyGov include alerts on streets being closed, trash route changes, pool closings and snow plowing if too late for newspaper publication.
    City council candidate Jan Elliott asked why this system was needed when the city takes part in the countywide RAVE notification system.
    Leyland said RAVE is not user-friendly, adding after the meeting that she never received training on the county system or given log-on information to give her access to put out city-specific RAVE notifications.
    The city is paying $1,275 per year to take part in RAVE, and did make a payment in January, Leyland said after checking financials.
    Since the meeting, Leyland spoke with County Emergency Manager Duane Dreiling, who is getting her the log-in information on RAVE.
    “I’m all for it (RAVE) if it works,” she said.
    The TextMyGov initial cost to the city would be $3,000 and a one-time $1,500 setup fee. After that, an ongoing $3,000 per year fee will be charged.
    The council took no action, but directed Leyland to find out if they can sign up for one year vs. two and how many texts are allowed annually.     Leyland is also checking to see if the company will lower the cost.
Other business
    A replat requested by AK Acres involving swapping pieces of land with L & L Ready Mix at the city’s south edge was approved. The replat had been approved earlier by the Planning Commission.
    Alexis Richmond was the sucessful bidder at $450 for operation of the Schroeder Park concession stand for soccer, summer ball and high school softball seasons. Also bidding on the lease was Amanda Kimble at $300.
    The council rescinded three   nuisance declarations as the properties have been abated. All three were trailers in the Capitol Mobile Court—one was removed by court employees and two by city staff. Charges for the latter will be assessed to the owner.
    Tyler Pribbeno, Community Development Director, said the city received an extension on its AARP grant to develop the area west of the police station for a mini park. They now have until the end of June to have the work underway.
    AARP provided a $15,000 grant for the project but it had a completion deadline that wasn’t met. The Imperial Community Foundation Fund also gave $10,000 and Waypoint Bank contributed $1,000.    
    Police Sgt. Chad Ostmeyer reported the city still seeks a fourth officer, and is now advertising the $10,000 signing  bonus for certified officers; $5,000 for non-certified.