Hillcrest Traffic Signal

Detector loops were installed this week on both sides of Hillcrest Avenue at Highway 65/69. When a vehicle approaches the intersection from either the east or west, a red light will stop the north/south traffic.

Until now video cameras were used to detect motion on the east or west sides of Hillcrest but we found they were not very accurate. Since the cams were mounted on the signal masts, they were subject to wind and vibrations that often caused a false signal. Therefore the north/south traffic was stopped needlessly.

The detector loops were installed in the concrete and create a magnetic field. The field is broken only when a vehicle drives over the loop thereby causing a green light in the east/west direction. Otherwise, the east/west directions should always remain red and the north/south green.

The new loops should lessen north/south stops and improve traffic flow. Our thanks to those who called to inform the city about the signal. The new loops should be a significant improvement.

City Hall Renovations

Last week several Requests for Proposals (rfp’s) were sent to architects/engineers for price quotes to thoroughly study city hall and develop a plan/specification for repair/renovation. As written and discussed during the sales tax referendum, this building requires serious roof, heating/air conditioning, structural and cosmetic repair that cannot be delayed any longer. The architectural/engineering services will not include expansion design.

The original idea was to fund these improvements, along with the Fire/Police expansion, using sales tax revenue. However, since our residents did not support the sales tax, property taxes (paid by only 70% of properties in Indianola) will finance the improvements. A cost estimate will not be available until the architect/engineer reviews the building but early projections are about $700,000 to $1,000,000.

Rfp’s are due September 30 and a recommendation will be brought to council October 6. Once an architect/engineer is hired, plans/specifications will be drafted in about 3 to 6 months. Building repairs should begin next summer.

My apologies for not updating this blog in 3 weeks. I have been out of town on 3 occasions and time has been very limited. I will have an update on the city hall renovations in a day or two.

Thanks to you for taking the time to read this and I sincerely hope you find it helpful.