Truck drivers confused by Florence signs
By SUSAN MARSHALL
News editor
Florence City Council heard Monday night from councilman Bryan Harper about a problem that semi truck drivers confront when driving to his business. He said truckers new to the city often follow a truck route sign from Main Street west on Third thinking it will get them to Mid-Kansas Coop elevator, visible to the west of Main.
"I'd like to see the sign changed," said Harper. "The drivers get stuck in that residential area, unable to turn around."
The sign is supposed to indicate the elevator is to the west of Main after crossing the Burlington-Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks, but Harper feels it is too far from the turn in question and confuses drivers.
After discussion, council urged Harper to contact Mid-Kansas Coop about purchasing a sign indicating more specifically the direction to the elevator.
City clerk Darla Gore brought another problem to the attention of council. During the past week she took a report of a grass fire. She put out a call for Florence firemen, but none came to fight the fire.
After additional calls, Marion County dispatch contacted Peabody firefighters who arrived and put the fire out under the county mutual aid program.
"Luckily, it was just a grass fire," said Gore. "If it had been a structure fire, I don't know if they (the firemen) would have gotten here soon enough."
Gore asked if Florence has an active recruiting program to encourage some of the younger men who work in town to volunteer to serve.
According to fire chief Tim Parmley who was present at the meeting, Florence is allowed 17 firemen and 14 are currently on the roster.
"There just aren't many new young guys out there for us to recruit," he said. "If no one responds, dispatch will contact Peabody or Marion."
In other business the council:
— heard from Sarah Cope the city attorney has reviewed new zoning regulations and suggested some changes. Cope said the committee will meet Thursday night to make the changes and return regulations to the attorney for final approval. Following her approval, they will be reviewed by council members and then presented to the community at a public meeting.
— heard from fire chief Tim Parmley that a survey of city fire hydrants indicated an insufficient number on Circle Drive. Parmley asked that council budget for a new hydrant next year in that area. Parmley also noted the department is looking at installing a "dry hydrant" in the downtown block to help facilitate fighting a fire at roof level if needed. Council encouraged Parmley to consider such an installation on both sides of the street.
— heard from Americans with Disabilities Act officer Del Leeds that two small signs reading "van accessible" need to be ordered. Leeds also introduced wording to be included in the employee handbook regarding city employee responsibility to handicapped citizens. After discussion, council agreed to table the inclusion of the regulation until more suitable phrasing could be found.
— heard also that Leeds would like to turn over the drinking fountain repair at the ball field to Bryan Harper and have the fountain attached to the side of the building. Harper will return with cost estimates.
— approved changing billing for rural and county lake trash pickup. Those customers will now be billed every month instead of quarterly. Letters will be sent to customers explaining the change.
— tabled until next meeting a discussion of billing at Carriage Manor.
— heard the police evidence room is full and additional space is needed. No action was taken.
— heard the water plant again has a leak. City superintendent Jeff Wagner has contacted U. S. Filter to work on repairs once again.
— approved the purchase of concrete culverts from the city of McPherson at a cost of $3,500 plus the cost of fuel to transport them to Florence. The culverts will be used on city street projects beginning with 9th Street. Council agreed to seek an independent contractor for the job.
