From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
By Terry Schrimscher
SPRINGVILLE — Infrastructure was, once again, the topic of discussion for the Springville City Council Monday night. The discussion in the work session centered around the intersection of Highway 174 and Main Street. As the city has grown in recent years, the intersection has caused traffic congestion due to the use of stop signs instead of traffic lights.
“The Strategic Planning Advisory Group looked closely at our comprehensive plan from 2010,” said Mayor William Isley. “One of the things identified in that plan was this four-way stop sign. I think it read, ‘Find better ways to get in and around Springville.’ It didn’t just pinpoint the stop sign. I guarantee the community has.”
The current proposal involves the addition of turn lanes and a traffic light to replace the stop signs. Isley noted as much as 65% of the budget for the improvements to the intersection could come from soon-to-be available ALDOT funding.
“I think it is time to take action at the four-way,” he said.
In order to proceed, the council will have to hold a future vote to apply for a grant from ALDOT. The state funding is expected to come from revenues from the recent fuel taxes signed by Governor Ivey.
In the regular session, the council addressed two other concerns about traffic in the city. Following up on a proposal from the May 20 meeting, the city approved up to $14,900 for the purchase and installation of six lighted signs at downtown crosswalks.
Police Chief Belinda Crapet previously expressed concerns about the safety of pedestrians using the crosswalks. The crosswalk signage will be solar powered and contain lights to indicate the pedestrian right-of-way and traffic speeds.
Isley also addressed recent debates on social media regarding the use of security cameras in the city. He called on Crapet to discuss the use of the newly installed cameras.
“They are not traffic cameras,” Crapet said. “They are security cameras that have tag reader capability.”
The cameras can aid in criminal investigations and cannot be used for citations, according to the chief.
In other business, city building inspector Asa Sargent presented information on bids from software firms to address cybersecurity concerns for the city. Sargent and Planning and Zoning director Maranda Nolen also presented information on other workflow software to be used by the city. Both potential contracts were given to City Attorney James Hill for review.
The council approved $800 for the purchase of the cityofspringville.com domain name.
Wesley Dickmann was moved from a supernumerary position on the Board of Adjustments to a regular position to fill the term vacated by Allen Crawford. Additionally, Dean Goforth was asked to fill the position vacated by Dickmann in the move. Josh Weldon was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission to fill the position vacated by Laura Cheney. All three appointments were approved.
The council also approved the addition of Friday, July 5, 2019, as a city holiday to create a long weekend for city employees following the celebration of Independence Day on Thursday, July 4.
The next meeting of the council was moved from June 17 to June 14, with a work session at 5 p.m. and the regular public meeting at 6 p.m.