Roads, traffic signals, trash hauling and more to go before council

A full agenda will go before the Newton City Council during its regular meeting on Monday. Items including pavement rehabilitation, a design upgrade for downtown traffic lights, an agreement with Dodd’s Trash and Hauling services and a new vault restroom for Agnes Patterson Park are on the agenda to be addressed.

The city had found the condition and ride of East 17th Street South in the 200 through 700 blocks and South 11th Avenue West in the 400 through 800 block has declined and is in need of rehabilitation or repairs. The plan before the council is to perform a diamond grinding to the streets which eliminates mismatched or faults pavement panels and joints, leaves a uniform textures surface and improves the ride for motorists.

Also on the agenda, the existing traffic signals along First Avenue in the downtown from West Fourth Street to East Fourth Street are 34-years-old and in need of replacement since repair parts are difficult to obtain. Due to the age of the electronics and controllers, the signal timing is often inconsistent resulting in motorist stopping several times along First Avenue.

With a newer traffic signal system, better traffic flow will be provided through downtown while still maintaining pedestrian safety.

Also on the agenda, the current three-year contract with Dodd’s Trash Hauling and Recycling, which is due to expire on June 30. The Newton-based company had requested a three-year contract extension, which includes an annual adjustment equip to the consumer price index for urban consumers, which annually have increased on average 1 percent per year.

The city recommends continuing working with Dodd’s as the city’s trash and recycling provider.

The council will also address a need brought forth by the Newton Little League of a restroom near the little league fields at Agnes Patterson Park. The little league has expressed concerns about not having an available restroom facility in the early spring that is adjacent to its location.

An ADA modern vault restroom is proposed to be located on the west side of the main park driveway between the two east ballfields, northwest of the Arboretum parking lot. The pre-cast concrete vault restroom requires minimal long-term maintenance and allows for year-round usage, accommodating those who use the hike and bike trail.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com