DECATUR -- Two items topped the agenda as members of the Decatur City Council gathered in the conference room at Decatur City Hall for their June 11 meeting.
First up was a progress report on the construction of a new chicken shack and storage building at Decatur's Veterans Park. Mayor Bob Tharp reported that demolition of the old chicken shack began June 11. The dismantling and removal of the 20-year-old structure are expected to be completed June 18.
Construction is scheduled to begin sometime after June 20 and is expected to be completed prior to the start of the 65th Annual Decatur Barbecue on August 4.
The council addressed concerns voiced by citizens regarding the pedestrian crosswalk and speed bumps on Roller Avenue near the Simmons Processing Plant in Decatur.
After a person was struck near the crosswalk and there were several other near misses, the council decided to meet with Simmons to address the safety issues in this area.
Motorists near the area have observed Simmons employees disregarding the safety measures in place at the crossing as they walk from the processing plant to the parking area on Charlie Street and West Roller Avenue. Most pedestrians fail to use the crosswalk at all.
The crosswalk itself is equipped with two signals, one for eastbound traffic and one for westbound traffic on Roller Avenue. When activated, the lights turn white, indicating that it is safe to cross. An orange light indicates that it is not safe to cross.
The council decided to meet with Simmons and work on a solution to this growing problem. Meanwhile, the Decatur Police Department is looking into issuing jaywalking tickets to violators near that intersection.
Other business
Two applications for raising chickens within the city limits have been denied by the council. Chief Joe Savage inspected the property and rejected the applications because of noncompliance with city codes. The applicants have 10 days after the rejection date to get their property up to code.
The Decatur City Council meets on the second Monday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m., in the conference room at Decatur City Hall. The first 30 minutes of each meeting are open for public comment or concerns. For more information about the Decatur City Council, call 479-752-3912.
Note: The speed bumps on Roller Avenue near Simmons Processing Plant have been removed. Ordering a set of new speed bumps has been placed on hold until a solution to the problem has been reached between the city and Simmons.
General News on 06/20/2018