Council Starts Talks on Street Changes
City considers reducing 4-way stops, increasing some speed limits, changing 1-way streets
by Catherine Stortz Ripley, C-T News Editor

CAPTION: Some intersections with four-way stops, such as this one at Springhill and McNally streets, are being considered for a change to become two-way stops. Chillicothe City Council members are considering a reduction in four-way stops as well as an increase in speed limits at various locations. Also, city officials are looking at reducing the number of one-way streets in town.

C-T Photo/ Laura Schuler

Too many 4-way stops in town? Too slow of speed limit in some areas? And what about the one-way streets — are they really all that necessary?

Chillicothe City Council members are starting to discuss possible signage changes that would affect traffic flow. In some cases, what worked in the past, may not be the right thing for the present. For example, a four-way stop at the intersection of Springhill Street and McNally Street may have been appropriate when Lambert Manufacturing was operating at the former Chillicothe Business College property; however, now that the business has closed, traffic has been greatly reduced.

Then there are rural areas with little to no development where the speed limit is 25 mph, a speed limit most likely set because of a blanket ordinance which states that unless otherwise posted within the corporate city limits, the speed limit will be 25 mph. While the 25 mph may be appropriate at most locations, there may be others — such as West Polk from Grand River Road to Jansen Street where the speed limit could be increased. And then, there’s the one-way streets: Polk, Calhoun, Cherry and Walnut. While Polk and Calhoun streets are main arteries to and from Dewey Elementary School and Chillicothe Middle School and are heavily traveled roads, Cherry and Walnut are less traveled.

As a result of several comments made to city officials, the council has decided to look into existing signage and determine whether changes need to be made. Street Superintendent Hugh Musselman presented a list of proposed street changes to city council members. City Administrator Dean Brookshier urged the council to review the proposal, solicit public opinions and perhaps make a final decision in a month or so. “I believe that there could be an adjustment to various locations, that would not create a safety problem for the traffic that flows through these intersections,” Musselman said. “It would also assist motorists with fuel consumption and also reduce the amount of signs that the city maintains. To take on this project, ordinances would need to be changed and approved by the council.

City Revisits Salaries for Elected Offices

The salaries for three elected city positions which were reduced by 10 percent for the 2009-10 term may, in fact, remain the same. Fourth Ward Councilwoman Pam Jarding, who was one of three members of the council voting for a 10 percent reduction in the salaries of the elected clerk, treasurer and auditor, asked the city’s attorney to draft an ordinance calling for the salaries for the new term to be $41,052, rather than the $36,946 salary which was approved with a 3-2 vote by council members last month.

City Attorney Adam Warren said that the city could increase the salaries although the filing period for these offices had already opened. The three individuals currently holding these positions — Clerk Rozanne Frampton, Auditor Theresa Kelly and Treasurer Sherry Parks — have already filed for re-election.

Jarding, who is finishing her third term on the council and had stated that she does not plan to seek re-election, said she had been troubled by the decision to cut the pay for the three offices by 10 percent. However, she said she has concerns as to the pay structure of city officials and employees. She said that stopgap measures need to be in place and that the city needs to look at rewarding longevity.

First Ward Councilman Earle Teegarden Jr., who also voted for the 10 percent reduction, said several years ago the city gave annual increases to its employees, but the higher paid wage earners received a lower percentage of increase. Teegarden also stated Monday night that he had no plans to seek re-election.

The $41,052 salary would be the flat salary and would not include personal time nor additional compensation for attending city council meetings. The issue will be considered at the council’s next meeting, Nov. 10.

Also Monday night, the council approved the bids for the 12th Street project and the Thompson Drive project. The bid of $131,675 was accepted from Columbia Curb and Gutter with work to begin within 30 days. Four bids were received, ranging from $131,700 to $291,700. The engineer's estimate for the project was $116,988. The projects, located at two different areas of town, both involve work to improve drainage.

Mayor Chuck Haney presided over Monday night's meeting with the full council in attendance. In other business, the council:

• Approved a $1,000 service contract with the Greater Chillicothe Visitor's Region relating to a proposed information station to be located near the courthouse.
• Discussed the status of the prison property on the south side of Third Street. The mayor noted the addition of Ron Keith and Don Ratliff to the Prison Committee. Keith and Ratliff both reside rear the prison property. The council considered seeking bids to get the property site ready and demolishing whatever buildings needed to be demolished; however, legal counsel advised the city wait until the state of Missouri deeds the property to the city before actually seeking bids.
• Approved the mayor's recommendation to reappoint Ed Martens to the Board of Public Works and Jim Summerville to the Airport Board. They also confirmed the mayor's appointment of Ed Douglas to fill the expired term of Randy Steele on the Board of Public Works. Steele resigned after having moved out of the city limits.
• Heard a report from Brian Johnston, chief executive officer of Hedrick Medical Center.
• Approved the payments of invoices, $165,121, and payroll, $113,253.