Rules change on Walnut Street U-turns
During a discussion with city employee Ronnie Harms Monday night at the Peabody City Council meeting, members heard a report that Harms was working on replacing and updating traffic signs in Peabody. Among the sign changes is the "no U-turn" sign at the south end of Walnut Street near the railroad tracks.
After decades of making U-turns at both the intersection of First Street and Walnut Street, as well as farther south on Walnut just in front of the railroad tracks, Peabody citizens were informed in 2001 that it was illegal to make U-turns by the tracks.
A sign was installed in that area prohibiting vehicles from making the turn there.
The council reversed its previous decision and decided to allow U-turns on that stretch of Walnut, but not at the intersection of First Street and Walnut. A "No U-turn" sign will be installed at that corner within the next week.
The council tabled a decision on how to spend the remaining $49,000 from the water project. The clerk will get cost estimates on the items on the council's "wish list" and present them at the next meeting.
Equipment suggested by council members includes a cage for the water tower ladder, skid steer, back- hoe, water tower paint and repair contract, and other items. The funds are to be spent on items related to the city's water needs.
After considerable discussion with Peabody Fire Chief Ronnie Harms, the council approved a request for Harms and fireman Steve Rose to attend an arson school. At a previous meeting the council approved a request by Assistant Chief Kelly Cook to attend the school.
The council approved the purchase of a document imaging system from Business Systems, Inc. Representatives of the company were on hand to answer a final round of questions by the council. On a motion by councilman Randy Dallke, the council approved the purchase with a 3-1 vote. Jon Gard voted against the purchase and Gene Schmill removed himself from the meeting during the discussion and vote for possible conflict of interest because he is an employee of BSI.
The council approved spending $3,766 on safety gear and equipment and training supplies for the Peabody Fire Department. A matching amount will be spent by Marion County Fire District #4 for the Peabody department.
The council agreed to hold a special meeting Monday to discuss hiring a city supervisor if Councilman Gard's schedule permits. If there is a conflict because of his job as a basketball referee, the meeting will be rescheduled to suit his calendar.
In other business, the council
— agreed to start the option to purchase 80 acres from Gary Harper for the proposed sewer project. Approval was given to send the first $500 with the option to purchase.
— agreed to request that someone from USD 398 appear before the council with information on the proposed plans for a new concession stand at the city park.
— heard from Westar Energy that a crew would move the light pole at U.S.-50 and Nighthawk Road as per KDOT instructions as soon as Westar received the city's check for $1,400.
— briefly discussed the disposal of construction and demolition material at the transfer station.
— nominated Dallke to represent Peabody on the Marion County Economic Development board pending approval of his employer.
— entered into two executive sessions for the purpose of discussing personnel. No action was taken after either session.
— approved the declaration of participation in the Fire Fighter's Relief Fund for 2003.
The council tabled several issues including offering summer employment to Bob Kyle on a part-time basis and a decision on whether or not to move a fire hydrant at 512 Poplar.
The next regular meeting will be held Feb. 10.
