By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
At the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on May 13, City Administrator Lisa Grossman explained that the city can receive up to three “speed feedback” signs at no initial cost to the city. The solar-powered equipment is expected to cost around $8,000, and the entire initial cost would be covered through a grant program. Police Chief Matt Reising said such feedback signs can be an effective means of addressing speed concerns.
Mayor Curt Thornberry shared DOT data about the average daily number of vehicles heading into and out of town on the main routes, and he said peak numbers during the summer would likely be higher.
Grossman said the equipment would become the property of the city, and it would then be up to the city to cover any repairs or maintenance, but she added there is a five-year warranty. Chief Reising responded to a question about potential recalibration of the equipment. He said that since the equipment will not be used to issue citations, no recalibration is expected to be needed.
The council voted unanimously to submit the application for up to three speed feedback signs to help reduce speeding in city limits.
Council member Roger Dorr brought up a concern regarding the city’s “nuisance” ordinance.
“Is there anything we can do to tighten that ordinance up a little bit?” he asked.
Dorr mentioned residential properties that are not in compliance with the ordinance regarding mowing of grass, and he said some downtown buildings have had crumbling brick pieces fall onto the sidewalks.
Grossman said the city has a process for addressing the residential issues, which is often broadly implemented soon after citywide cleanup. Regarding downtown commercial buildings, Grossman said the best path would be to ask Planning and Zoning to look into any concerns.
A public hearing on the proposed FY 2023-2024 budget will be held in conjunction with the next regular council meeting, which will be on Tuesday, May 28 due to the Memorial Day holiday. The public is welcome.