David Williamson (standing right) presenting to the committee
David Williamson (standing right) presenting to the committee

The Jefferson Streets/Water and Sanitation/Sewer Committee met Tuesday.

Local artist David Williamson gave a presentation on behalf of Jefferson Matters: Main Street Tower View Team Committee. He is working with community members to design archways to be installed on the north alleyway in the downtown square. The project “Arch Alley” includes three arches that are inspired by the architecture of the downtown buildings, student-designed and community designed. Plans also call for the City to remove the overhang towards the entrance to the alleyway. The committee will review further plans and make a recommendation to the City Council next month.

The committee then discussed a request to install a pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Lincoln Way and Vine Street. The committee decided to investigate the cost of installing the lights as a safety measure for citizens.

The committee then discussed restricting parking to one side on Wilcox Way. Police Chief Mark Clouse said traffic gets very congested on that street and recommended alternate day parking on both sides. On even days, parking would be permitted on the side with even house numbers, then on odd days it would switch to the other side. The committee thought this would be the most fair choice to help alleviate traffic issues. The committee will review the ordinance language before making a recommendation to the City Council for final approval.

The final major discussion topic was on the quiet zone by the railroad tracks. A proposal was made by Bolton and Menk to do the engineering work for $76,100. Work would include: collecting survey data, holding meetings with adjacent landowners and the public, along with meetings with Union Pacific, Federal Railroad Association, to project development and implementation. The committee passed the proposal along to the City Council to consider.