Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06Mayor Brian Blad City of Pocatello P. O. Box 4169 Pocatello, ID 83205-4169 • www.pocatello.us • (208) 234.6163 • mayor@pocatello.us Table of Contents: Pocatello is Unique Firevrorks Safetv Grease in the Lines Lighting Standards 1 1 2 2 I spent some time in New York City last month for my son's college graduation. As I was there, I started to compare New York to Pocatello. I have to admit it was an unfair comparison for New York because of all the things the Gate City has to offer! Our trip made me think about our beautiful city. When I want to do something, it takes only minutes to get to where I'm going. For example, if I want to go mountain biking, I can be on the hill within 10 minutes from anywhere in town. If I want to go jogging, I just step outside my front door and head out. In New York and many other places in the world, it takes a lot of time to get to outdoor recreation areas. Fireworks Safety Every year in the United States, fireworks cause about 12,000 injuries that are serious enough to require hospital treatment. The Pocatello Fire Department wants you to have a fun, enjoyable 4th of July, so they have compiled a list of recommendations to help reduce the risk of injury and fire. • Buy only those fireworks that are legal in Pocatello. • Never give fireworks to small children. • Closely supervise all children with fireworks. • Never throw or shoot fireworks at another person. • Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from I also noticed an attitude difference in New York. Residents there are very aware that New York is one of the largest cities in the world. While Pocatello is one of the largest cities in Idaho, we don't act like it. Our citizens are friendly and go out of their way to help. I truly believe Pocatello is one of the best places in the world and one of the best kept secrets! At times, I think we want to keep it that way, but we can't. As we recruit new businesses big and small, it's helping our community be even better. The economic development accomplishments we've had houses and flammable materials. • Keep a bucket of water or a water supply nearby. • Don't try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks — instead soak them with water and discard. • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. • Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one made of glass or metal. • Never alter or experiment with fireworks. • Light all fireworks with a long -handled lighter, jumbo punk or flare. are exciting. These successes have also brought many new people to Pocatello. They have transferred here from other parts of the country. I love when new people come here and decide they never want to leave. When I talk to them about why they love Pocatello, I realize I'm fortunate to have had these things most of my life. I am very proud of our community and the people who live here. We are not like New York City or any other city. We are Pocatello, and we are unique. That is something to be proud of, and I am grateful! I hope you are too. As always, I am proud to be your Mayor! • Ask everyone to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water after use. (Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1200° F and can cause serious burns or can start fires.) • Allow adequate time for fireworks to cool prior to disposal. There are also areas within the city limits where fireworks are banned. Visit www. Pocatello. us for the 2016 Fireworks Map. You can also call the Pocatello Fire Department at 234.6201 for more information. Grease in the Lines Pocatello's Water Pollution Control (WPC) is continuously battling the issue of grease in sewer lines. Although collection crews work hard to keep City lines maintained, it is a constant battle. Fats, oils and grease are found in most kitchens. These items can also be found in food items such as meats, deep-fried items, sauces, cooking oils, gravies, salad dressings, dairy products and many more. Cooking fats, oils and grease are one of the primary causes for both residential and City main line blockages. Once cooking grease is poured down the drain, it quickly cools and hardens, sticking to the sides of the pipes. This creates a barrier that catches more grease and even food items that are placed down the drain, leading to a total blockage. Most of these blockages occur between your home and City sewer mains. Unfortunately since these lines are considered private lines, the City is not able to help out. WPC is asking for your help to keep grease out of private and City sewer lines. Ways you can help are: Lighting Standards The City's Planning & Development Services Department recently received several questions about lighting. Since the department also receives complaints every year about lights shining into homes from adjacent properties, I thought this was a good topic for the newsletter. The City addresses lighting standards in the Zoning Ordinance. The purpose of those standards is to protect health, safety and general welfare of the public, improve travel conditions by reducing Take advantage of our free "Can the Grease" program by picking up a grease can at WPC -10733 Rio Vista Road or City Hall -911 North 7th Avenue. . Wipe out greasy dishes with a disposable towel before washing them and dispose of greasy towels in the trash can. • Avoid putting leftover food, scraps and fat trimmings down garbage disposals. Instead, dispose of these items in the trash can. If you have questions, feel free to contact WPC at 234.6256. glare and develop lighting practices to reduce light pollution and conserve energy without decreasing safety, utility or security. Municipal Code Section 17 states that all lights shall be shielded in such a way as to direct all light toward the ground and away from reflective surfaces and away from all adjacent properties, especially those developed with residential uses. The Code also states "Any facilities that require floodlighting shall arrange the lights in such a way that they do not shine toward roadways, adjacent properties or directly into the night sky." Lighting is not to exceed 15 feet in height in residential and mixed use zoning districts, 30 feet in height in commercial zoning districts and 45 feet in height in industrial zoning districts. In commercial areas, lights on poles can't be any taller than the building whose area they illuminate. If you have more questions about lighting, please contact Planning & Development Services at 234.6184. If there is a topic you'd like me to address in future newsletters or if you want to comment or ask a question, write it down, tear off this part and send your comment to me. If you wish to call or e-mail, my number and address are listed on the front page. While I cannot respond to all comments individually, I do pass them on to the appropriate departments. vl9,n6 My question/comment is Name Address Telephone