New London bridge removal underway

By Waupaca County Post Staff | July 29, 2010 | 0 comments

Crews began drilling the Pearl Street Bridge pier for blasting Monday, July 26.

They continued to mobilize equipment Tuesday. They removed sidewalks and stringers from the existing structure Wednesday and hope to have the entire structure removed by Aug. 6.

Work on the new structure will depend on water levels. Lower water will be needed to place the construction barges in the water and for completing work on the new piers.

New structure work is scheduled to begin Aug. 10, with an anticipated completion date of Nov. 17. Roadway and approach work including curb and gutter, sidewalks and paving is scheduled for late October to early November. During the project, access to businesses and residents will be maintained at all times, although temporary access may be required. Currently they are looking into business signing that can be used during the duration of the project.

The next construction meeting will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 12 in City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.

Sump pumps running more often

New London Building Inspector and Zoning Administrator Paul Hanlon reports that phone calls regarding sump pump discharge have been prevalent with the large amounts of rain the area is receiving. He said it is acceptable for a property owner to direct the sump pump discharge to the street in the warmer months and then back onto the lawn during the winter. He reminded the mayor and council that Sectioni 14.23 of the Municipal Code, an ordinance that addresses storm water and clear water issues, needs to be reviewed and updated.

Lower flood insurance premiums possible

Inspector Hanlon recently attended a Community Rating System workshop sponsored by FEMA and the Insurance Services Office. He learned of a voluntary program which awards a community for work that is beyond the minimum National Flood Insurance Program standards by reducing the flood insurance premium for residents. Hanlon reported that with the city's involvement, they could possibly reduce the premiums for residents by up to 10 percent. He is currently asking the DNR for information on how many flood policies are currently in place in the City and the total amount of premium dollars being paid. Hanlon will use that information to determine the amount of dollars that could be saved and determine if the savings is worth the additional record keeping required for participation.

Commercial vehicles in parked residential areas

Hanlon submitted an amendment to Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code to Police Chief Jeff Schlueter, Chris Gregory and City Attorney Earl Luaders for review. The amendment pertains to parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas. According to Hanlon there have been an increased number of semi tractors and tractor-trailers parking on city streets that are not designed for these vehicles. The amendment will be forwarded to the Planning Commission for review.

Delinquent taxes

City Administrator Kent Hager recently spoke with Outagamie County regarding the delinquent tax bill on the former Simmons property owned by Eric Spirtas. He was told that a letter was sent and if the bill is not paid by the end of the month, the county will commence foreclosure. Spirtas was able to save the property from a bank foreclosure earlier this summer. However, demolition costs of the blighted buildings and property taxes are still in arrears.

Animals at special events prohibited

A new ordinance passed by council members states that animals are now prohibited on public property located within the city of New London at any time special events where more than 100 people are expected to attend, except by written permission for the event permit holder for special activities in accordance with the events.

Exemptions to the enforcement of this ordinance are dogs trained to lead blind or deaf persons, or animals assisting with emergency personnel. "Animal" means any live, vertebrate creature, domestic or wild.