City council looks at traffic flow issues
It was the consensus of the council that sidewalks and traffic flow should top a list of issues a $564,000 Federal Economic Stimulus Package Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant should be used to address at a Conway City Council public hearing Tuesday night.
Specific programs could include traffic light timing, exploring more roundabout options at some intersections to limit the time vehicles spend idling and building more sidewalks and walking/bike trails.
The city is continuing to ask for public input on needs that could be addressed with the grant, which is intended to fund projects and programs that can reduce fossil fuel emissions and energy use and improve efficiency in transportation and building sectors. This input can be sent to Community Redevelopment Director Lauralee Wilcox-McCool at lauralee.mccool@cityofconway.org.
After the hearing the council voted in its regular meeting to approve a two-stage increase in Conway Corp. wastewater rates. The rate will increase by 35 percent effective in June and by another 10 percent in 2011. For the average household the first increase means paying $17.55 rather than the current average of $13, and the second increase will bring the average household cost to $19.31, according to figures provided by Conway Corp.
The council also approved a new contract by which Conway Corp. purchases electricity. The new contract, with NRG Power Marketing, sets the same rate as the current provider.
An ordinance to change the name of Trey Lane north of Dave Ward Drive was held in committee, as the council wishes to seek input from Trey Lane residents south of Dave Ward Drive on changing the street name there as well to avoid confusion with two names for what many view as the same street. The proposed new name would be Artis Lane.
In other business, the council voted to approve:
A bids of $25,249 from Mid-American Signal Inc. for the LED signal lights to replace Conway Street Department incandescent lights;
A bid of $12 per player from Legends Sports Photography for a youth sports photo package for the Conway Parks Department;
An ordinance appropriating $500 in funds donated by the Soaring Wings Ranch for the Conway Parks Department to be used for benches at Laurel Park;
And an ordinance appropriating $63,409 in Parks and Recreation Ad Valorem Special Revenue Fund money to build a maintenance shop at Don Owen Sports Center for the Conway Parks and Recreation Department (The project cost is about $180,000 with the remainder after special revenue fund allocation being paid through normal parks and recreaction funds.).
(Staff writer Joe Lamb can be reached by e-mail at joe.lamb@thecabin.net or by phone at 505-1238. Send us your news at www.thecabin.net/submit)