July 21, 2008

2008 SEAL COATING
The City of Midland’s Transportation Division is scheduled to begin its annual Chip Seal project on the week of July 21st. The target area for this summer will include arterial and collector streets within the area of Midkiff Road to the west city limits and from Loop 250 to the north city limits. The following arterial and collector streets are scheduled:

Tanforan Ave. from Midland Dr. to Oriole Dr.
Holiday Hill Rd. from Briarwood Ave. to Loop 250 N
Whitman Dr. from Bluebird Ln. to Mockingbird Ln.
Bluebird Ln. from Midkiff Rd. to Garfield St.
Faulkner Dr. from Garfield St. to Whitman Dr.
Castleford Rd. from Garfield St. to Polo Parkway
Lancashire Rd. from Polo Parkway to Loop 250 N
Bluebird Ln. from Garfield St. to Polo Club Rd.
Polo Parkway from Polo Club Rd. to Castleford Rd.
Polo Parkway SB from Castleford Rd. to Loop 250 N
Polo Parkway NB from Castleford Rd. to Loop 250 N
Garfield St. from Loop 250 N to Castleford Rd.
Garfield St. from Castleford Rd. to Bluebird Ln.
A Street from Loop 250 N to Mockingbird Ln.
Illinois Ave. from Andrews Hwy. to L Street
Golf Course Rd. from Andrews Hwy. to Midkiff Rd.
Midland Dr. from Loop 250 N to Island Dr.
Midkiff Rd. from Loop 250 N to Mockingbird Ln.
Briarwood Ave. from Midland Dr. to Holliday Hill Rd.

The entire project is expected to last four or five weeks. Motorists should exercise caution and drive slowly near or on these streets. In addition, we ask that all traffic control devices be observed. Traffic control devices will consist of warning signs and traffic cones. Flagmen will assist in directing the flow of traffic. Be aware that sudden acceleration, sudden braking, or sudden turns may damage the fresh surface as well as cause possible damage to vehicles from loose "flying" gravel.

A chip seal is a cost effective surface treatment primarily used on streets that consists of a layer of asphalt cement followed by a layer of gravel. The gravel is compacted into the asphalt cement by pneumatic rollers (rubber tire compactors). The asphalt cement serves as a bonding agent for the gravel. Chip seals provide benefits such as waterproofing the street surface, sealing small cracks, and surface rejuvenation. In addition, skid resistance and surface drainage are improved. Finally, pavement life is extended decreasing the need for major reconstruction.

Seal coating takes place in different areas of the city each year. The same area receives treatment every six or seven years.

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FATALITY
Midland Police were called to the scene of a fatality accident at 1:40 a.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2008. The accident occurred at the intersection of Big Spring and Wadley.

33-year-old Lorenzo Marquez of Midland (2-13-75) was pronounced dead at the scene. According to witnesses, Marquez was traveling northbound on Big Spring at a high rate of speed. Approximately one block before the Wadley intersection, he lost control of his 2002 Suburban and slid sideways before striking a utility pole and a traffic signal light mast pole at the SE corner of the intersection.

The investigation continues.

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TRAFFIC SIGNAL OUTAGE
City Crews are working to repair the traffic signal pole at the intersection of Big Spring and Wadley following Saturday’s fatality accident.

The impact of the vehicle destroyed the base of the traffic signal pole causing structural damage. The repairs include digging a new hole, replacing the foundation, and testing the new light. The intersection will be back in working order by August 1st.

Until the repairs are made, the intersection will be in a flashing mode with stop signs. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the intersection, taking an alternate route, until all repairs are made.

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PUBLIC MEETING
A rock wall, an indoor wave pool with water features, a teen center, digital games, coffee shop, exercise classes, art classes, and family activities. These are only some of the possibilities for renovations of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Citizens are encouraged to attend a second public meeting on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the community center, 2300 Butternut Lane, to voice their opinions on what the renovations should include.

The City has hired a firm to look at designing a new community center including programming in which to offer citizens. This is the second public meeting with the design firm. All the comments and suggestions so far, have been taken into consideration when developing the initial plans, programming, and layout of the new facility. Citizens are encouraged to attend the meeting to view the preliminary proposal and to make addition comments.

Suggestions can also be emailed to the city by visiting the website at www.midlandtexas.gov and clicking on the icon link on the homepage.

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AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT
Midland Police responded to a call of an Aggravated Sexual Assault at approximately 6:00 a.m. on July 19, 2008, at 2613 N. Midland Drive, the Ashton Way Apartments.

The victim reported that an unknown male entered her apartment through an unlocked door and then assaulted her. The victim is a 67-year-old female. Although a weapon was not used during the assault, the crime is an Aggravated Sexual Assault due to the age of the victim. When a Sexual Assault is committed against someone over the age of 65, it is an aggravated offense.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his 30s, 5’6” – 5”7”, with a stocky build. He was wearing a black ski mask at the time of the assault.

The management of the apartment complex was notified of the crime the day it occurred.

Anyone with information about the suspect should contact the Midland Police Department at 685.7108 or Crimestoppers at 694.TIPS. Police are following leads and are looking to the public to assist in providing any additional information. The investigation continues.

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JULY 22nd CITY COUNCIL MEETING
· During an 8:30 a.m. briefing session, the City Council will discuss truck traffic and traffic enforcement. Hazardous Material Truck Routes and Local Truck Routes are designated in the city by ordinance. There are some streets within the City that are prohibited to trucks over one ton. The City works closely with the Texas Department of Transportation on Truck Routes. Media Contact: Gary Saunders/Transportation Manager at 685.7280

· Also during the briefing session, the Council will listen to a presentation regarding the design and programming for renovations to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. The firm hired to create the design, conduct the feasibility study, and develop programming met with city staff and held a public hearing back in April. Since that time, conceptual designs have been developed based on the input from the community as well as staff. A second public hearing to receive more feedback will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 22nd. Media Contact: Scott Swigert/Parks & Recreation Manager at 685.7370

· At the beginning of the regular meeting, at 10:00 a.m., the Council will read a proclamation recognizing the upcoming National Night Out. The event is scheduled for August 5th. This marks the 25th anniversary of National Night Out. Last year, Midland hosted more than 90 parties throughout the city. The event is an opportunity for residents to come together as neighbors, fellowship, have cookouts and pot luck dinners, and take a stance together against crime in their own backyards. The City of Midland has been recognized eight times during the past nine years for excellence in the organization and participation in National Night Out.