City Administrator’s Report
November 2005
Work on the 2006 City of Chewelah preliminary budget is tentatively concluded. Council will decide on the final version tonight. Increases in employee health insurance and general liability have been accommodated and there will be council discussion about electric rate adjustments due to an expected 35-40% wholesale BPA power cost increase following the conclusion of the current supply contract in September, 2006.
Planning Commission discussed the temporary sign ordinance and the draft Shoreline Master Plan at their November 17 meeting. Both items will be on the December 15 agenda. Citizens and other interested persons are invited to participate in the discussion. Draft Shoreline documents are available at City Hall in Room 107.
We urge businesses to not use salt on their new sidewalks due to the possibility of damage to the new concrete. Contact City hall for alternatives to salt.
We received a few complaints from concerned business owners and ticketed speeders about “unnecessary” speeding citations issued to ski hill patrons recently. The citations were issued for exceeding the posted 25 mph on Main Street. Recently, we deployed the mobile radar speed reader to encourage safety compliance. Please remind friends and relatives of the need for safe driving on our very busy streets.
On my way to work in early morning hours recently, I’ve noticed many vehicles idling unattended in driveways and along the streets, supposedly warming up. This is a costly practice and presents a perfect target for auto thieves. Additionally, if your vehicle is stolen, we must expend scarce Police resources to locate your vehicle and unnecessary claims on your behalf.
I witnessed several Post Office patrons parking within a clearly marked “No Parking” zone downtown last week. This practice is very dangerous and impedes the sight path for other drivers and pedestrians. I urge all downtown patrons to heed our parking restrictions and help us avoid costly accidents and injuries.
Holiday lights are being placed in the City park for everyone’s enjoyment. Please help us keep an “eye” on these lights and report any vandalism or suspicious activity you may see.
Our water department has been looking for water leaks thru the support of American Leak Detection. Council members have a copy of the letter from that firm. We estimate a savings of 1.036 million gallons per month. Speaking of leaks, we have one in the north section of 3rd and Main in the new piping that must be fixed.
