Cole Plaques

Been amused by the recent (in the last day or so) kerfluffle over the placement of a plaque on the Public Safety Center honoring the death of officer Lenard “Lon” Sizemore in 1933 and a tribute to all officers that have served the city of Carbondale.  The plaque, apparently at the direction of Mayor Fritzler, was placed over a stone on the building bearing the building's name, date of completion and the name of former Mayor Brad Cole.  Three councilmemebers, Jane Adams, Don Monty and Corene McDaniels expressed concern over the placement with McDaniels sounding especially concerned:

It’s like acting as though Mayor Cole didn’t exist,” McDaniel said.

I don't see that having a chance of happening as at least six plaques in Carbondale bear the name of the former mayor including one installed inside the Public Safety Center

one at Friendship Plaza, 2 of the same plaque on the 2nd floor of City Hall, one at the Arena and one commemorating Daniel Brush on the town square.

By my count, former Mayor Cole has more plaques mentioning him alone than all other mayors of Carbondale combined.  I sincerely doubt his name has much chance of being obliterated.

Public Safety Center Sign

While I realize the official term is "Public Safety Center", a sign directing people to the "Police Department" would certainly be more useful to people looking for it.  I know that, if I was looking for the police department, "Public Safety Center" is not the first thing I would look for.

By the way, that sign directly under it still reminds people that it is against the law in Carbondale to congregate on sidewalks during evening hours. While I have not heard any stories of the police telling people to move along after coming out of bars later in the evening, it was a fairly common occurrence for several months after the city council passed the ordinance. enough so that the manager of Jimmy Johns at the time complained that it was affecting his late night business.

Open House

The Public Safety Center will have its official unveiling tomorrow with an open house.  Hopefully nothing happens to the roof this time.

Open House

From the City:

Mayor Joel Fritzler invites you to attend the Dedication and Open House for the new City of Carbondale Public Safety Center on Saturday, March 31, 2012. The Dedication Ceremony will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. and facility tours will be available from 10:15 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

The Carbondale Public Safety Center is a 32,000 square foot 2-story brick structure on the site of the former Lincoln Middle School on Washington Street. The building faces Washington Street, with a staff entrance and parking lot in the rear, entering from Marion Street. The architectural style is similar to the Carbondale City Hall. The facility was designed to meet the present and future needs of the Police Department.

The Carbondale Public Safety Center is located at 501 South Washington Street. The public is welcome to attend. 

Roof Repairs

Looks as if they are finally getting around to repairing the damage done by the windstorm last April.  Good thing there was no rush about it.  Considering the roof came off in the first windstorm after construction had been completed, I'm glad the repairs won't cost the city anything.:

Public Safety Center Roof Repairs to Begin

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Within the next week work will begin on roof repairs at the Public Safety Center. The work will be performed by Contegra Construction, the contractor that built the building.  The repair cost is being paid by Travelers’ Insurance Company, the contractor’s Builders Risk carrier.  Much of the remaining roof will need to be removed as part of the reconstruction process, but the final product will look nearly identical to the original.  The roof structure will be strengthened as part of the reconstruction.  All original warranties will remain in place after reconstruction.  Interior repairs will also be done as the roof work is completed.

This work is being done by Contegra Construction and Travelers’ Insurance Company at no cost to the City.  Some parking areas at the building will be closed during construction, but the Police Department will be fully operational the entire time.  The public is asked to follow directional signs that will be placed on site to direct visitors and to please not enter the construction areas or interfere with workers on site.  All work is expected to be completed in about 12 weeks, weather permitting.

The building was damaged by a violent storm in April of this year.  Other nearby buildings were also damaged, as were other City buildings at Cedar Lake and the Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Public Safety Station

According to city manager Alan Gill, it wasn't just high winds that damaged the roof of the new public safety center but a microburst.  Gill says that the first floor of the building is undamaged and most of the second floor is usable as well.  Only the section of offices used by Chief O'Guinn suffered too much damage for occupancy currently.  No idea as to when repairs commence, how much they will cost or which insurance company will pay for them.

Storm Info

Press Release from the city about last night's storm:

CITY OF CARBONDALE ADVISORY

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The City of Carbondale experienced damage due to powerful winds associated with the storm that passed through southern Illinois late on Tuesday, April 19. Numerous trees and limbs were down, causing temporary road closures and widespread electrical outages along with some damage to private property.

Residents are urged to check their homes for any possible damage and consult with their insurance carriers as necessary. Residents should be aware of contractors or others who may seek to do immediate repair work that is not necessary or seems to be unwarranted.

Residents are requested to notify utility service providers if they are aware of downed power lines and to notify the City of any lines or trees blocking roadways. Residents should not attempt to clear wires or trees that are impeding the right of way.

Significant damage was sustained by the City of Carbondale Police Department at our new Public Safety Center. However, all services are being provided and the Center is functioning fully at 501 South Washington Street. Temporary road closures around that structure are in place while debris and building clean-up is under way.

If assistance is needed please contact the Police Department as usual, or in case of emergency call 911.

A Disaster Emergency Proclamation was ordered by Mayor Brad Cole at 11:30 p.m. on April 19, 2011 and is in effect. Notices to the public will be provided through regular media sources, and information may be obtained at City Hall, as it becomes available.