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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Wednesday, August 8, 2007 1:02 AM CDT
City plans asphalt covering on streets
Mattoon council also votes to buy ambulance

By HERB MEEKER, Staff Writer
hmeeker@jg-tc.com

MATTOON — The City Council voted Tuesday to correct street resurfacing gone bad throughout the city and also to purchase a fire department ambulance to prevent potential gaps in emergency medical care.

The council approved an emergency contract with Howell Asphalt to overlay streets in Midtown with asphalt. This could be used to correct problems with a boiler slag overlay that turned many streets into an oily, gritty mess last week. The extra overlay might cost the city as much as $250,000 in Midtown, and that cost will be covered by postponing major sidewalk repairs for another year, plus other cutbacks.

Mattoon Mayor Charlie White and commissioners Dave Cline, Joe McKenzie and Randy Ervin voted for the measure. David Schilling was absent Tuesday night.

“We’re still watching the streets,” said Mattoon Public Works Director Dave Wortman prior to the council vote on the emergency overlay. “We have had steady improvement on the streets from last week.”

One council member backed up Wortman on the decision and corrective measures.

“The city messed up. There is a shared responsibility. We are going to make it right,” said Ervin.

City Administrator Alan Gilmore said workers already are placing a fine cover of crushed limestone, called turkey grit, on pavement to help cover the slag aggregate, or pebbles, swept into the parking areas in the Midtown business district. Gilmore said one clothing store owner expressed satisfaction with the temporary solution for his customers.

“It is getting to the point where it is almost bearable,” Gilmore said on the overall street situation in Mattoon.

But Lane Acres resident Don Davis urged the city to pay attention to neighborhoods, too, not just the Midtown business district. The subdivision’s roadways were covered with boiler slag, a by-product of coal-burning facilities, during the same week as Midtown. Lane Acres had road oil problems and excess grit, including spiking which might have flattened some vehicle tires.

“Please play attention to the rest of Mattoon. With this heat now it has still not settled,” Davis said.

Excessive heat last week was cited as a reason for the breakdown of boiler slag surfaces in Mattoon. Street department employees are watching carefully to see if the high temperatures and humidity levels will break down slag surfaces again, officials said.

Art Willaredt expressed concern with the long-term effect on some streets covered with boiler slag.

“On 16th Street, it is getting bad again, tarry and bleeding,” Willaredt said.

In other business Tuesday, the city is committing more than $100,000 to the purchase of a new ambulance for backing up the existing local ambulance services, Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance and Charleston Fire Department. The council voted to seek bids for the purchase.

Before the vote came to the table, Mattoon resident Jerry Groniger asked the council to apply some brakes to the purchase process. He complained the city had not depended on an impartial decision from a committee composed of Ervin, who is fire commissioner, and several firefighters. Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center employees, including an emergency services doctor, also contributed their knowledge to the ambulance committee, Ervin said.

“I’m concerned we’re shoving this through pretty fast,” said Groniger, noting the issue was last discussed in public during an April council meeting.

Groniger argued the city should be in sync with the ambulance providers and work out a contract on mutual aid before making the purchase.

“Get your ducks in row before you do it,” Groniger said. “This would be the third time the city has tried to get into the ambulance business. We just keep shooting ourselves in the foot.”

Ervin said extensive research has gone into the decision for an ambulance purchase. He added the city is supported by the SBLHC emergency services experts on the need for another ambulance for Mattoon coverage. One main concern, Ervin said, is if Charleston ambulances might drive to Mattoon on true emergencies when Mitchell-Jerdan units are already occupied. He said statistics show this could leave victims waiting several minutes for an ambulance.

“(We have been told) Mattoon has been dodging bullets for some time now,” Ervin said. “The added response time through Charleston is not acceptable.”

Groniger countered that an emergency doctor at SBLHC would not be satisfied “unless an ambulance was parked in every driveway in Mattoon.”

Mitchell-Jerdan Ambulance leaders have questioned the city’s plans for a backup ambulance, saying it is setting up competition with the private company. Ervin said the city does not want to drive anyone out of business, and measures will be taken to prevent any competitive situation.

Contact Herb Meeker at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.

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Collatine wrote on Aug 8, 2007 2:32 PM:

" I just have to say, this (asphalting the roads) is an example of local government listening to the public and reacting to a mistake in a positive way --even if my new sidewalks will come a year later. ;-) Thanks guys - both elected and paid - and good work. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 8, 2007 6:04 PM:

" 250 thousand, huh? Will that come out of Wortman's pay? Ha Ha, heck no, the taxpayers will pick up the tab on this fiasco too. "

Chris 2.0 wrote on Aug 8, 2007 8:28 PM:

" Dohbaugh, I asked the same thing at the meeting last night. The bulk will come from the sidewalk money. That project will be pushed back a year and the $200,000 diverted to this. The rest will come from scaling the alley grinding and resurfacing project back. The cost of the slag over the areas to be covered is about $40,000, but that isn't totally wasted because it will act as a prime coat for the overlay. The overlay isn't completely wasted as it will act as a level binder when they redo the entire business district. "

Collatine wrote on Aug 9, 2007 2:45 PM:

" Dohbough- I know you've never made a mistake at work and so can't relate to this, but I recall making a mistake as a teenager at a certain local public pool which yielded a costly repair, requiring "taxpayer" dollars to fix. I don't recall my boss deducting my pay check for the cost. I've made mistakes in the nonprofit and forprofit positions I've worked that were costly... costs that ultimately were paid out of donated funds, or company profits, or passed onto consumers (depending on the employer). My bosses didn't deduct my paychecks. I don't know why you'd even suggest that a fallible human being who works his butt off for this city would be required to pay for a human mistake. People make mistakes. Get over it. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 9, 2007 5:27 PM:

" Sorry Collatine, but I find it hard to be as cavalier as you seem to be over a quarter of a million dollars mistake. I guarantee you that any manager worth his salt would take some disciplinarian action over this fiasco. "

ItsJustDave wrote on Aug 9, 2007 8:52 PM:

" A mistake was made, and unlike many others, those responsible took action to correct it. Mr. Wortman and his staff made decision to try to make the best possible streets for the least cost. It turned out badly, but it is being rectified. Ya gotta give the guy credit on at least two fronts... trying something new, and addressing the mistake soon after it was discovered. You have a nice community with good people running it. You have every right to complain when things go wrong, but please take a minute and realize that most of your local officials are much more ethical and community oriented than those in larger cities. A $250,000 mistake wouldn't even make a local AM radio program topic in many places, and even a $250 MILLION gaffe would be vigorously defended and covered up elsewhere. "

clumpton wrote on Aug 9, 2007 9:17 PM:

" Dohbaugh, Did you read this: “The city messed up. There is a shared responsibility. We are going to make it right,” said Ervin. What "disciplinarian action" would you have them take? Who should shoulder the "disciplinarian action"? I don't think Collatine was being cavalier whatsoever. Who do you think would want a job of any responsibility if they were required to PAY for human error? I agree: people make mistakes. . . get over it! "

voltaire wrote on Aug 10, 2007 12:13 AM:

" The midtown was to be resurfaced with asphat in a few years anyway. Mr. Wortman was trying to do what was best for the downtown merchants and save the city money. Resurfasing with the boiler slag would have achieved both of those. But the inclimate weather, bad oil, heavy traffic, or something else caused the project to fail even after the test roads were completed last fall. He came up with a resolution to move forward with the asphalt project that was scheduled to be in the next few years anyway. So really the city is not out much financially in this matter. The 40K for the slag will aid in a base for the asphalt. The only real cost is the OT for city workers to clean it all up last week. In the end we will have nice smooth roads and shiny single lane markings. It may take awhile but we will forget about the 3 weeks of slag that rained down upon the city and while it was a comitte of people that decided on the slag it will be Mr. Wortman will be the focus of many slag jokes for years to come. "

Bobbie wrote on Aug 10, 2007 6:01 AM:

" I find it amazing the things that citizens of this town over look, then i find it amazing the things they want to get all heated up about.Good thing Wortman isn't a doctor. "

Pilgrim wrote on Aug 10, 2007 10:32 AM:

" I'm VERY thankful that the Midtown Mess is going to be addressed, but I didn't see the neighborhoods addressed in the article. I totally respect the fact that the business owners should have their concerns addressed, but we residents who live on other streets have a concern as well. We never signed on to live in a tar pit. Just speaking for myself, I only knew the work was going to be done when the trucks showed up. I'm not asking to move to the head of the line, but I'm hoping this isn't going to be a case of "Just live with it as best you can" either. "

Matt Toon wrote on Aug 10, 2007 12:43 PM:

" I believe the commissioner of streets deserves at least a little bit of the blame for this mess. I don't know which member of the City Council holds that position, but surely he should take some of the blame. "

bs wrote on Aug 10, 2007 1:39 PM:

" Maybe they will get it right this time. Nice that they wasted the money to begin with instead of doing it right the first time. I have already had to get my car serviced because rocks and asphalt are getting caught in between my rotor and dust shield and messing with the breaks. If my car was not under warranty--I would give the city the bill. Now my tires are getting messed up. I could yell at whoever did this until my voice gets hoarse. Grrrrrr. "

bs wrote on Aug 10, 2007 1:42 PM:

" there is also a gigantic dip in pine acres--on illinois and oklahoma avenues...it has been that way at least since I was 16....going back nearly 15 years. wish they'd fix that too. "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Aug 10, 2007 3:56 PM:

" To bs: You mentioned the large dip at 6th and Oklahoma in Pine Acres. Well, it has been there since I was 16 also, and that was 50 years ago. I don't think they are too worried about it and it doesn't seem like to me they will be fixing it anytime soon "

medic57 wrote on Aug 11, 2007 3:55 AM:

" That dip in Pine Acres is probably more for speed control than anything else. If you cross that dip at 10 miles per hour, (which is a very good speed for Pine Acres because of all the children) you hardly notice it. "

Anya wrote on Aug 11, 2007 10:20 AM:

" Maybe people should quit b!t(hing and be grateful that the people in charge of the problems in Mattoon are working to promote positive change. Yeah, it has been a mess. Yeah, we all have the right to complain. And yeah, we've all made mistakes. I don't know Wortman, but I know that I'm impressed that he stepped up to the plate, admitted the mistake, and found a solution. I know a lot of people who justify their mistakes and refuse to admit that they are fallible. To Mr. Wortman, the committee members, and the city workers - GOOD JOB! Some of us think you're doing a great job. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 11, 2007 4:39 PM:

" You've gotta be kidding, you call a quarter of a million dollar expense to fix a poor management decision, a Good Job. That's amazing. I suppose a half a million dollar tab would earn the kudos of, Great Job. Any following that logic, a million dollar correction, would be an Excellent Job. "

Anya wrote on Aug 11, 2007 11:02 PM:

" It's ok, Dohbaugh. I know you're perfect and would never make a mistake. I'm assuming you have the responsibility of making decisions just as major with just as much at stake. Every project you take on probably turns out exactly as it's supposed to. We aren't judging our city officials in comparison to you because they could never measure up to your god-like level of perfection. Keep in mind that this is all said in a respectful, meek, humble, and amazed tone of voice because of your awe-inspiring perfection. LOL "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 12, 2007 11:31 AM:

" Hi Anya, of course I've made mistakes, but never one that cost a quarter of a million dollars. I do like you fawning though. Glad to see you giving me the respect and awe I deserve, so keep it up, as there might be hope for you yet. "

Anya wrote on Aug 12, 2007 5:16 PM:

" ROFL Thanks, oh great one! (Dohbaugh) lolol SHOOOO! Too funny. My point, Dohbaugh, is that they took a mistake and a bad situation and turned it around in a way that minimized the financial losses. The nasty tar slag mix made a nice primer that just might make the asphalt they're putting on now last longer than if they just put it over the old pavement. On top of that, rather than just raising a tax somewhere or taking the money out of social programs, they found the money by just postponing a project for sidewalk repair. So they stayed within the same budget and the same "account". Besides, oh great one, they COULD have grabbed up you and some of the other misguided liberals and rolled you in the tar (and added feathers, of course) to clean it up. *blinks innocently* "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 12, 2007 7:04 PM:

" You were doing just fine with the fawning, Anya, and then you had to mess it up with that tar and feather bit. I am assessing you 5 points, for that comment. I do sort of like that moniker of great one though. Darn, there goes my new sidewalks, that I have been waiting for 20 or more years to get. Hey, how about this idea: have the city spread some slag on the sidewalks this week, and in order to straighten up the mess, get Walkers to pour new sidewalks for all of us. Brilliant, huh? "

Anya wrote on Aug 12, 2007 8:37 PM:

" Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 12, 2007 7:04 PM: " You were doing just fine with the fawning, Anya, and then you had to mess it up with that tar and feather bit. I am assessing you 5 points, for that comment. I do sort of like that moniker of great one though" ***** Sorry, oh great one. I'll try to do better in the future. *hangs head* I'm so ashamed. LOL "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 13, 2007 5:26 AM:

" Well, you should be! Now get over there on that other site site and answer that question about Fox news. I'm not going to give up until you do. "

citizenofmattoon wrote on Aug 13, 2007 8:19 AM:

" I don't know or have the slightest idea who this DOHBAUGH might be.....However he sounds a lot like.........GEE....cOuld it be WORTMAN????????????? "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 13, 2007 5:44 PM:

" Hey Anya, I'm sill waiting for some kudos for my slag on the sidewalk idea. I think you might be slipping a bit. You know we have talked about your paying attention before, so get with it, and bring the kudos on. "

Anya wrote on Aug 13, 2007 7:13 PM:

" Oh great one, I am SOOOOOO SORRY that I missed fawning over your slag on the sidewalk idea, because it was a brilliant beyond brilliant idea. Who, but you, could come up with such a wonderful, god-like solution? I stand in awe, oh great one. Your brilliance is blinding. Oh wait, that was the sun in my eyes. "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 14, 2007 7:19 AM:

" You call that fawning? Back up and give that another shot. It looks like you need some lessons in fawning. Just keep watching Fox news and how they handle the Republicans. Now don't get confused with how they go after Democrats. Remember now, they only go into the fawning mode when they have a Republican on. Check back with me after you've had some more practice. I don't like dealing with amateurs. "

Anya wrote on Aug 14, 2007 10:09 AM:

" LOL Dohbaugh - I can only fawn so much before my smart-a$$ side just pops right out. Can't help it. It just happens, you know. You should just be happy with what you get. You wouldn't want to discourage me, now would you? I thought fawning was good for your ego. *blinks innocently* "

Dohbaugh wrote on Aug 15, 2007 7:47 AM:

" You have it all wrong, milt, it's Cheney that's making the money off this war. Bush made his money off of investors like Osama's brother in his failed oil ventures and lending his name to a professional ball team to get the taxpayers in Texas to build a new stadium. You need an education in reality and historical fact, pal. learn to read history and forget about your right wing Faus news inspired suppositions. These are facts, and I challenge you to disprove either one of them. "