December 15, 2006
CITY CREWS PROVIDE STREET MAINTENANCE
The Transportation Division will begin its annual crack seal project on Monday, December 18, 2006. The boundaries for the area of concentration are Holiday Hill Rd. to Midkiff Rd. from Loop 250/Briarwood Ave. to the North City Limits. The concentration will be on arterial and collector streets first, then progress to residential streets if availability of material allows. The project is expected to last through March 2007.
The material used is a hot applied sealant. Its composition includes asphalt cement, synthetic polymer, and recycled rubber. The sealant is melted in our crack seal machine, hydraulically fed through a hose, and applied onto the pavement through a gun. The gun operator applies the sealant to cracks on the pavement. As the sealant makes contact with the pavement, it is immediately spread, using V-shape squeegees, into the cracks creating a barrier from debris and most importantly, from moisture.
Prior to applying the sealant, the crew will set up its work zone with warning signs and traffic cones. The pavement cracks are then cleaned with compressed air to remove any loose dirt and debris. The crack seal machine will follow behind applying the sealant. After the crew has determined the area can be opened to traffic, traffic cones will be removed and the crew will progress down the road.
Motorists are asked to observe warning signs and slow down near work zones.
MIDLAND COLLEGE ENTRANCE
Beginning Monday, December 18, 2006, the City of Midland Transportation Division will begin repair of the gates located at Wadley Ave. and I St. This location is better known as the south entrance to Midland College. The gates are used to close roadway access during time of heavy rain and possible high water in the low water crossing.
The upcoming repair will be a cosmetic one which will compliment the beautification efforts by Midland College.
The roadway will be closed to through traffic during work hours, 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Warning signs and traffic control devices will be in place. Access to Midland College will be at the Garfield St. entrances and exits. If weather participates, crews anticipate the repairs to take no longer than 7 working days.
MFD SURPRISE DRILL
The Midland Fire Department will conduct a “surprise” Hazardous Materials drill for firefighters working a shift on Friday, December 15, 2006. PLEASE DO NOT RELEASE IN ADVANCE OF THE DRILL.
The drill is expected to take place at approximately 9:30 a.m. in the vicinity of Hill Park, 1300 Kansas. The drill will test the skills and training experience of staff.
The media is invited to cover this event.
KEEP YOUR TREES TRIMMED
City of Midland utility customers will notice a green insert into their water/sanitation bill this month. The insert highlights the guidelines of tree trimming and public right of ways in an effort to assist street sweepers.
The street sweepers want to remind residents to keep the area around curbs and sidewalks clean. Trees should be trimmed and properly maintained and toys and other objects out of public right of way.
Guidelines for tree trimming:
- Trim trees seven feet above sidewalks
- Trim trees 14 feet above roadways
Basketball goals and other items are not allowed on sidewalks and roadways.
Keeping trees trimmed to prevent overhang, and removing personal items from sidewalks and roadways, allows the large street sweeping trucks to reach the curb lines.
DECEMBER 19th CITY COUNCIL MEETING
- During a 9:00 a.m. briefing session, the City Council will listen to a presentation by KDC-Turner & Associates regarding a draft of the 2006 Parks Master Plan. For approximately 10 months, the City has worked with the consultant to prepare the parks, recreation, and open space plan. Public input was received through a mail out of 10,000 surveys to random residents, public meetings, and meetings with special interest groups. Citizen feedback is an important component of the Plan. Information from residents will help guide and structure livability in Midland for the next several years. The Plan also includes a detailed look at staff and maintenance issues, potential for open space and the growth of the city, and cost estimates for projects to be considered over the next few years. It also compares Midland to other cities to determine the availability of park space and services vs. the number of citizens as well as define where the city stands nationally. The last Park & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan was completed in 2000 and done in-house. Media Contact: Scott Swigert/Parks & Recreation Manager at 685.7370
- The City Council will recognize a group of City of Midland employees for their efforts in boosting productivity. The Transportation Division was created in fall 2005 as the Traffic and Streets Divisions were rolled into one. Since the inception of this new operational group one year ago, the employees have devoted themselves to cross training opportunities that have not only increased efficiency, but have boosted morale within the workforce. Sign installation and replacement has increased by 48%, citywide striping has increased 57%, concrete repair and construction has increased 220%, and drainage channel mowing has increased 156%. Media Contact: Gary Saunders/Transportation Manager at 685.7280
- The City Council will listen to the 2006 Fall School Study report. Seventy-school zone locations were studied with three warranting change. Hillander School, on Wadley, will have morning and afternoon beginning times adjusted (7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and 1:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.). The crossing at Greathouse Avenue and Pecan Avenue will receive a crossing guard. The guard located at Fairgrounds Road and Pecan Avenue for Pease Elementary will be removed at the end of the school year. There are currently 46 existing crossing guards throughout the City. The locations are studied twice a year, once in the fall and again in the spring. Media Contact: Gary Saunders/Transportation Manager at 685.7280
FATALITY ACCIDENT UPDATE
Midland Police are now releasing the name of a man involved in a one-vehicle fatality accident this morning, December 15, 2006.
41-year-old Felix Munoz of Odessa was pronounced dead at the scene. The accident occurred at approximately 3:20 a.m. near the Interstate 20 Garden City exit.
Investigators believe the 2005 F250 pickup was traveling eastbound on Interstate 20 when the vehicle left the roadway and drifted to the center median. Munoz overcorrected back across the eastbound lanes and the truck rolled through the south median landing on the south service road. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected. Munoz was the only person in the vehicle.
Interstate 20 remained open while officers worked the scene. The south service road was closed for a couple of hours.
This is the fourth fatality accident in Midland this year.
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