SBI Crime Stats Show Sanford Working In The Right Direction

The SBI has just released the 2008 crime statistics for our area.

Although one crime is one too many, and if you are the victum of a crime you don’t much care what statistics show…….these statistics clearly prove that the City of Sanford continues to be working in the right direction in making our city a safer place to live. 

City of Sanford                              Down 18.8% from 2007

Offense	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Murder	7	1	1	6	4	2	6	2	3	6
Rape	12	4	10	10	14	10	9	9	5	5
Robbery	61	50	65	87	91	67	62	64	59	54
Aggravated Assault	99	71	80	107	87	101	70	48	48	57
Violent Crime	179	126	156	210	196	180	147	123	115	122
Burglary	547	283	521	573	532	538	397	373	429	298
Larceny	1,682	996	1,788	1,765	1,651	1,284	1,251	1,153	930	767
MV Theft	110	90	88	112	93	127	111	79	93	85
Property Crime	2,339	1,369	2,397	2,450	2,276	1,949	1,759	1,605	1,452	1,150
Index Crime Total	2,518	1,495	2,553	2,660	2,472	2,129	1,906	1,728	1,567	1,272

Lee County Sheriff (does not include City of Sanford)

Offense	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Murder		1	2	2	2	1		1	3	3
Rape	4	9	5	5	9	3	5	7	7	3
Robbery	11	7	3	2	10	8	6	8	7	9
Aggravated Assault	33	11	28	2	8	14	6	12	24	26
Violent Crime	48	28	38	11	29	26	17	28	41	41
Burglary	296	337	370	409	302	241	198	282	270	283
Larceny	301	284	339	333	273	205	190	265	275	361
MV Theft	60	42	28	70	59	49	59	97	60	81
Property Crime	657	663	737	812	634	495	447	644	605	725
Index Crime Total	705	691	775	823	663	521	464	672	646	766

Lee County as a whole

	Offense Category	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
	Murder	7	2	3	8	6	3	6	3	6	9
	Rape	16	13	15	15	23	13	14	16	12	8
	Robbery	72	57	68	89	101	75	68	72	66	64
	Agg.  Assault	132	82	108	109	95	115	76	60	72	85
	Burglary	844	620	891	982	834	779	595	655	699	581
	Larceny	1,990	1,280	2,127	2,098	1,924	1,489	1,441	1,418	1,205	1,144
	MV Theft	171	132	116	182	152	176	170	176	153	166
		3,232	2,186	3,328	3,483	3,135	2,650	2,370	2,400	2,213	2,057

SANFORD ONE OF THE NATION’S PLAYFUL CITIES USA

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

SANFORD NAMED ONE OF THE NATION’S

‘PLAYFUL CITY USA’ COMMUNITIES

 

SANFORD – Sanford received another distinction earlier this month, when the city was named one of the nation’s 93 “Playful City USA” communities by KaBOOM!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing play opportunities for children.

In their announcement, KaBOOM! commended Sanford for providing “quantity, quality and access” to playspaces and recreational programs designed to improve childhood wellness, public safety and the overall quality of life – especially in a down economy.

The nonprofit based in Washington noted the city’s network of “pocket parks,” which provide play areas throughout city neighborhoods, as well as recreational initiatives at low-income housing sites and a neighborhood park plan being developed for East Sanford that will contribute more broadly to community development.

Sanford is no stranger to accolades. The Research Triangle Region community is regularly ranked among the top 50 small cities across the United States in economic strength by POLICOM, an independent research firm, having landed in the 40th spot this year. It also has appeared recently in Site Selection magazine’s list of America’s top small towns for business.

But the “Playful City USA” designation shows that quality of life in Sanford matters as much as raw economic progress.

“Sanford is a great place to work and own a business, but truly great communities reach beyond economic development alone,” said Sanford city manager Hal Hegwer. “We recognize how important these amenities are for the quality of life, and everyone in this community is making a real effort to bring accessible parks and playspaces to all residents, no matter where in our area they may live.”

Darell Hammond, cofounder and CEO of KaBoom!, believes the annual “Playful City USA” listings are important because children everywhere are hurt when communities don’t provide easily-accessible places to play safely.

“Sanford took a stand,” he said, “and determined that the future of their community – their children – deserve a commitment to the cause of play.”

The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county’s two municipalities.

 

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Media Contacts

  Bob Heuts, Director

  Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant

  +1.919.774.8439   (phone)

  +1.919.775.5410   (fax)

  info@lcedc.com (e-mail)

More on the Web

  2009 Playful City USA communities by KaBOOM!

  Lee County Economic Development Media Relations

New Sanford Police Department TIP411 Text Crime Reporting

 

This is an article from The Sanford Herald dated March 19th, 2009  by Gordon Anderson.

SPD takes techno-step with text-tip system

You’ve read a lot lately about how businesses are taking advantage of social networking sights and how elected officials are using status sites like Twitter to keep their “followers” informed.

So it only makes sense that we should expect law enforcement to use the technology out their to their advantage. That’s why we commend the Sanford Police Department for announcing to the Sanford City Council this week that it is launching a program that will allow citizens to send anonymous text messages about crimes or tips in their communities.

Sanford Police will begin participating in the tip411 program, which will allow police to respond to texts and create a “chat” with the tipster without revealing that person’s identity. It’s a program being used by similarly sized police departments in Massachusetts, Indiana and Tennessee.

No price for the system was given at Monday’s meeting, but one published report lists Tennessee’s system costing $1,500 to begin.

Text messaging is nothing new, of course, but long gone are the days when picking up the phone was the only way to contact somebody when face-to-face wasn’t an option. We’re becoming a society that uses “tweets” and “status updates” as the primary way to communicate with our friends, but that lack of contact — that anonymity — is actually an important tool when it comes to having the public provide information on crimes.

Often, those with information are intimidated to make that phone call or show up at the police station. This provides another means of communication with our law enforcement officials, and since just about all of us own cell phones with texting capabilities, Sanford PD just became much more accessible.

It’s a nice step, and we’re glad to see it happening. However, we also think much more can be done.

Currently, neither the Sanford Police Department nor the Lee County Sheriff’s Office oversee a functionable Web site. Sanford PD’s site merely consists of contact information and its Code of Ethics,” while the sheriff’s site wasn’t even accessible Wednesday — nor were any other parts of Lee County Government’s Web site. Sheriff Tracy Carter does publish a regularly updated blog, but we feel everybody would benefit from a more comprehensive departmental Web site … that includes both agencies.

We hope to learn more about SPD’s text system in the coming days. 

  End of Article.

Police: Text tip line will get more involved

By GORDON ANDERSON     anderson@sanfordherald.com     March 21,2009

SANFORD — Sanford police have a new weapon in their fight against crime — the cell phone text message.

Through technology provided by a company called Citizen Observer, a program is in place at the department which allows citizens to send anonymous tips through text messages. Doing so opens a “chat” between the cell phone user and an officer at the police department.

Maj. Kevin Gray said the program is aimed at getting people to provide police with tips about crime while embracing new technology.

“Our old crime line has dwindled down so much that we don’t get very many tips that way at all,” he said. “So this is a new approach for us. You’ve got kids who are 11 or 12 years old who know how to text.”

The messages are first sent to CitizenObserver’s headquarters in Minneapolis, where their source is encrypted by a computer before being relayed to a computer at the Sanford Police Department.

Sanford City Manager Hal Hegwer said he got the idea at an economic development conference during which he saw a video displaying how widespread cell phone usage is.

“I was just thinking about how (text message technology) could help the city, how it would blend into the city’s operations in the future,” he said.

The program costs $1,000 annually, Hegwer said.

Gray said the department is pushing the program in places where young people are.

“We’re putting out posters and business cards with information on how to text us at the high schools, the colleges, some bars,” he said. “As always, we want to stress that even the smallest bit of information could be important to us. We never know if it’s the one thing we need to break a case.”

Citizens interested in texting information to the Sanford Police Department should enter “919SPD” followed by a message about their tip and send it to 847411 (Tip411).

End of Article

Thanks to City Manager Hal Hegwer for bringing this idea to our Police Department and our city.  for more information please call Hal Hegwer at 775-8201

Should Sanford Sale Bulk Water To Neighboring Communities?

The City of Sanford currently profits between  $350,000. and $400,000. annually from bulk water sales to neighboring cities and counties.  These bulk sales are from surplus water our plant can produce and will at no time effect the availability of water to the citizens of Sanford and Lee County.

*Do we have excess water to sell since we reciently experianced a drought?

Yes, we do.  The city currently uses approximately 7 million gallons per day, depending on time of year, etc.  There is a constant flow of water in the Cape Fear River of approximately 320 million gallons per day. This is measured down stream at Lillington and regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers at the Jordon Lake Dam discharge.

*Are bulk water sales good for our city?

The revenues help offset cost at the plant.  This means that these bulk sales help keep the home owners water bill a little lower. 

*How long are the contracts for these sales?

Most are for many years with an annual adjustment or review of pricing. They are all very simular.

*Do we charge less for bulk sales versus what regular rates are inside the city?

The most recient contract the city entered into was with the Town of Goldston.  This agreement offered bulk sales at $2.02  per 1000 gallons.  Plus a guarentee of purchasing 100,000 gallons per day.  Plus a $25,000 annual fee.  Goldston will purchase between 100,000 gallons and 250,000 gallons per day.  With all the variables considered…….Goldston will pay between $2.27 and $2.76 per 1000 gallons.  (This is calculated on 100,000 gallons per day usage = 2.76    250,000 gallons per day usage = 2.27)

The compariable rate for this ammount of usage inside the city is $2.23 per 1000 gallons with no purchase guarentee and no annual fee.

All things considered………..$2.23 City …………… $2.27 to $2.76 Goldston.  

*Are there any fees the city will pay for running water lines etc.?

Goldston will run all connecting lines to Sanford.  Once inspected and approved……the city will be responsible for the lines in Lee County . Goldston will be responsible for the water lines in Chatham County.  All water lines will have to be inspected and meet city specifications.

*Are there any other communities Goldston can purchase water from?

Yes there are several other communities that were considered by Goldston before contracting with Sanford.  The bidding on the sale of bulk water is very competitive.  Reason being, there are only just so many neighbors you can sell to that need water……… and bulk sales allow you to add to your bottom line. This helps keep the cost of water for the home owner as low as possible.

If you have any questions concerning this issue, please contact hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201 or Vic Zarr at  919-775-8230.

 

 

Regular Post Coming Soon.

Please forgive the lack of post in the past 45 days or so. Hopefully, by the end of the week, I’ll be posting again on about a 7 to 10 day interval.

If there are questions you have or areas you’d like to know a little more about…..Please let me know by leaving a comment.

Thanks Again!

Steve B

Future Possibilities: Solar Powerd Trash Compactors

The “Big Belly” solar powered trash compactor  was just one of the many new innovative items and ideas presented at the National League of Cities Exposition in Orlando, Florida.   http://www.bigbellysolar.com/ 

“Big Belly” uses 100% solar power.  This unit does not need direct sunlight and is designed with shade from buildings and trees, etc. in mind. 

This unit holds five times the volume of a normal sized trash container.  City crews would have to empty this can five times less than a regular trash container.  Depending on the location, this type unit could be an asset to many cities. 

 Areas such as parks, green-ways, etc. that are off the beaten path, would be perfect for ”Big Belly.”  These areas are subject to small amounts of litter, not bagged trash from passing automobiles.  The volume of trash is fairly predictable and vehicle traffic in these areas could be kept to a bare minimal.

“Big Belly” cost a little more than twice as much as a decorative trash container.  This cost difference, possible dump savings, the pros and the cons, would have to be discussed before possibly choosing “Big Belly” for locati0ns in our city.  With the city beginning to get more and more involved with parks and green-ways…..cost saving ideas like this may be just around the corner.

Waste Water Treatment: An Education

This is an interesting blog by Jennifer St Clair, posted December 17th on the Sanford Chamber of Commerce blog Chamber Chat. http://chamberchat.wordpress.com/

Today, the Progress Energy Leedership Sanford Class of 2009 was treated to a tour at the city’s waste water treatment plant, or “reclamation facility” as they call it.

As Bob wasn’t able to take the class on this tour (and has probably done it numerous times before anyway), I (Jennifer) got to go instead.  I’ll be honest, I wasn’t thrilled at first…but I am so glad that I got to tag along.  It was one of the most interesting field trips I’ve been on…and I’ve been to Angola Prison in Louisiana.  On a field trip, I promise.

I highly recommend taking this tour!!  All of the employees were very personable and informative.  Robert was our tour guide and we couldn’t have asked for better.  He is knowledgeable, passionate, humorous and doesn’t speak over your head.  We had a great time with him.

Everyone left with smiles on their faces and noted that they’d had a good time.  Here are some pictures of the group.

The group after the tour finished.

One of the clarifiers.

Robert our tour guide and Santa’s helper!

This was a lot of gross looking water before it hits the clarifiers.

Oh, yes, it was smelly!

Here’s where it all begins.

Do: if you’re taking the tour, wear comfy shoes!

Don’t: These shoes look great, but they weren’t the best for walking 40 acres!

As I said, I highly recommend taking a trip to this facility.  You’ll be surprised just how interesting this tour is!

Making Sanford a “Playful City”

One of the many interesting workshops at the Congress of Cities meeting in Orlando was “Building a Playful City.” This also seemed to be one of the most attended workshops.

A panel of five discussed the many challenges children face today that end up keeping them off the playground and out of the park.  Time spent on computers, video games, and television were high on the list of reasons not to play and exercise.  This was followed by the “I’m bored” with nothing to do story.  Finally, some of our youth are just plain lazy.

We were told that forty-seven percent of children in America are over weight.  It was also estimated that fifty-two percent of elementary schools across the country have tatally eliminated recess. 

One member of the panel told a story about the school his child attended.  The school was changing the menu in the cafeteria and planned on only offering healthier items. This would eliminate Sloppy Joe’s, etc. as a lunch item.  A public hearing was held on the issue and an over two hundred parents attended to voice their displeasure with this new plan

Several weeks later a public hearing was also held concerning the elimination of recess at the school.  At this public hearing, only two parents came to voice their opposition to this idea.  Seems that these childrens parents priorities are a little mixed up on what should really be important, I believe.

KaBOOM ( www.kaboom.org) is an organization that helps cities become “Playful Cities.”  Their goal is to have a safe place for children to play within walking distance from their home.  There are five requirements for cities that wish to be designated a “Playful City.” These commitments are:

1. Create a local play commission task force
2. Design an annual action plan for play
3. Conduct a play-space audit of all publicly accessible play areas
4. Identify current spending on capital projects and maintenance of play-spaces
5. Proclaim and celebrate an annual “Play Day.”

By becoming a “Playful City USA,” your city can receive grants, technical support, on-line resources, media support, playground builds, and more.  Most of all you will be letting your community that your are committed in making your city a place where children can have access to safe, clean play facilities.

There are only 67 “Playful Cities” out of the over five thousand cities in the United States. I believe Sanford should become a “Playful City USA.” We’re on the right track now with the new pocket park program.  This will take more effort, time and funding. I believe this type investment in our community and our children is long over due.

For more information contact Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

 

 

Sanford’s Christmas Parade…..Fun For The Whole Family

 

I had the opportunity to enjoy Sanford’s Christmas Parade on Sunday with my family.  Day or Night……Sunday or Monday……I love a parade.  

There has been different opinions voiced concerning the whys, and the whens, of this event.  Nobody likes change…….Like it or not, this was a positive for our community.  I’d like to thank Bob Joyce and Jenifer St.Clair of the Chamber of Commerce for taking on this task and working hard to make this parade a success.

Refurbishing Sewer Lines……Lining Old Pipes Can Save Millions In The End

in 2005, the estimated cost or replacing existing sewer lines in disrepair throughout the city was 50 million dollars…….plus be a heck of a mess on our streets, sidewalks, etc.  The estimated cost of lining the same sewer lines was 12 million dollars…….no mess at all.

Sometime in the past several years, you may have heard or read that the City of Sanford was reconditioning sections of sewer lines in certain section of our city. East Sanford and the historic areas in particular. Most of these lines are very old and have breaks or cracks that allow ground water to infiltrate the sewer system, or sewer to possibly leak into the ground.  The rain or ground water that infiltrates the sewer line is just more liquid the city has to treat at the sewer plant and more cost to sewer customers. 

The city has spent millions of dollars in the past several years refurbishing these sewer lines.  This is done with a lining process referred to by some as ”cured in place.” 

Simply speaking….This process blows a tube, (like a long tube sock) into a section on pipe that requires lining.  Hot liquid is then pumped through the liner causing the material, a form of epoxy, to expand.  With the liquid removed, the material hardens. Next a robot is maneuvered through the new pipe cutting a tap out at each residence allowing the flow from each household to resume. 

I’m sure I have left out a few steps in this procedure.  Hopefully, you get the basic idea of how this pipe lining is preformed.

This process can be preformed on almost any sized water or sewer line and is much more cost effective.  The life expectancy of this material is 30 to 50 years….depending on who you speak to about the product.  In either case, this is a great alternative to digging and replacing lines and cost a fraction of the price.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please call City Manager Hal Hegwerat 919-775-8201.

No…She Doesn’t “Got Milk”

If you’ve ever noticed the beautiful flowers on the street corners in downtown Sanford, you may have noticed the milk jug lady.  This is of course our own Helen Hnks.

Helen has been a devoted member of Downtown Sanford Incorporated (DSI) since the mid 1990′s.  Although she does not own property or a business in downtown, she still feels that being a part of DSI and helping our downtown grow is very important.  When ever there’s a project that needs volunteers….. you’ll find Helen.

The flowers on the corners downtown have always been a challenge for DSI to maintain.  Working on a limited budget DSI needed volunteers to help with this project. The job of “flower keeper” in downtown was filled by none other than guess who……….that’s right, Helen Hinks.

If you happen to see Helen carrying her milk jugs filled with water on the streets downtown, please thank her for ALL she does for our city.  I for one can’t think of anyone that helps out more and is always there.

Thank you Helen….very much!

If you would like to volunteer to help with any project in downtown Sanford please call DSI Director David Montgomery at 919-775-8332.

DOT Sign Crews….. Reaction Time Slow In Sanford

Street signs in our city need some attention.  There are leaning signs, faded signs, over grown signs, and worse of all damaged signs. 

The City of Sanford street crew replaces and maintains any sign located on a city maintained street.  This includes speed limit signs, stop signs, and street markers.  The city crews have done a good job maintaining the signage on city streets.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the state DOT sign crew.  Signs on state maintained roads and leaning, twisted, faded, over grown and damaged.  Many request have been turned into the state for sign maintenance and repair.  Although some request are honored……many go for a great deal of time before action is taken, if at all.

In the first picture above a highway information sign was damaged during an accident on Carthage Street.  Although this has been reported to DOT several times, the sign is still on the side of the road almost a year later.

The second picture shows a damaged speed limit sign located on Carbonton Road.  When reported to DOT the sign was simply removed, not replaced. 

The third sign is an adopt a highway sign and was damaged last week on Wilkins Drive.  This sign has been reported and awaiting action. 

It makes a person wonder why these signs were there at all if it’s not worth replacing. It also gives the appearance that the city does a poor job of maintaining their signage.  This is simply not the case.  It is truly the states responsibility. 

If you have any sign issue in your neighborhood or onany street located inside the city limits, please call -Street Superintendant Magna Holloway at 919-775-8326 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.  State sign of city sign, we’ll be glad contact the proper department for you.

Misinformation…….Not Good for Our Community

The following is a letter to the editor in response to the editorial in Friday’s Sanford Herald. 

NOTE: The original letter was edited and title changed by the Herald. The edited version ran in the Tuesday, October 21st paper. This paragraph was added to this blog after reading the edited version in Tuesdays paper.

Letter to the Editor.

Factual Information Important!

Factual information is very important.  Many residents of Sanford and Lee County believe the information in the Herald is the truth.

Your October 17^th editorial concerning public comments stated,”Representation implies a voice. With this change, the commissioners would be following in the footsteps of the City of Sanford in waiting until the credits roll on the sometimes very lengthy meetings before giving residents a chance to speak. In other words, if there’s something on the agenda a member of the public wishes to address before a vote, it’ll require some foreknowledge of future agendas. No longer will we be able address the board about an issue at the same meeting during which that board will vote on that issue.”

This statement is incorrect.  A situation arose at a council meeting where a vote was taken on an issue before several citizens had the opportunity to speak to that issue. The City Council recognized a problem with the public comment policy and moved the comment period to the beginning of the meeting.  This allowed citizens to address the council before the regular agenda. The city council also made public comment available twice a month instead of just once. The comment period is at the beginning of each regular meeting.

Comments from our citizens and their points of view are an important part of the political process.  Council members are contacted many different ways by citizens to discuss a variety of issues. Public comment is just one of the many lines of communication used by our citizens.

Steve Brewer

 

This issue was also mentioned on this blog concerning an earlier non-factual editorial that ran on August 28^th, 2008.   The following is an excerpt from the editorial and blog. (You can find complete article under Meetings, Agendas, etc., in the Policy and Procedure caragory of this blog.)

From the Herald- It means John Doe doesn’t have time to fill out the proper paperwork to be able to speak at the council meet­ings.

Blog Answer- Anyone can sign up to speak at a council meeting. The law requires it be allowed once a month. The city allows it at every regular meeting. It is a good idea. Citizens can sign up with the city clerk 15 minutes before the meeting.  All anyone needs is their name and address.  This shouldn’t take too long, even if they print.  They will speak before the council begins the regular agenda.

This information was also covered by the Herald at the meeting when the change in policy was discussed and passed unanimously. 

The Sanford and Lee County area needs a good newspaper. It is important to our citizens that our newspaper report facts correctly.  Everyone has a right to form an opinion on those facts, and discuss them in public forums, editorials, etc.  It is very important that the facts be presented correctly.  After all……..many residents believe the information in the Heraldis the truth.

The 2nd Century Project…..A Good Night….A Good Idea….The Next Step

The 2^nd Century unveiling event on Thursday, October 2^nd, was a great event.  There are many individuals that worked very hard in the research and development of this branding and promotion project.  Thank all of you for your hard work and contributions.

Special thanks should be given to Four Oaks Bank and their board members for their tremendous contribution. Four Oaks sponsored the entertainment and food for the event in Depot Park. The Band of Oz was great and the hot dogs hit the spot.  Thanks again Four Oaks.

I’ve had many people ask me how I felt about the 2^nd Century project.  How the city would participate in the project in the future?  Finally, would there be any public funding for such a project?

I believe the 2^nd Century project is the next step for our community in choosing how we would like community to appear, grow, and prosper in the future.  This begins by getting many groups and organizations “on the same page.” 

Many ideas the group has discussed are, and have been, in motion.  For example, the city and county has a land use plan.  A very well thought out land use plan.  Certain aspects of this plan continue to evolve, but there is a plan.

 The city is actively working on an up-to-date streetscape plan.  Downtown Sanford has had several revised versions in past years, however the current in-work plan will include much more than just downtown. This design plan and study were part of the 2008/2009 city budget. 

Gateway improvements are in the works too.  They were, for lack of terms, “put on hold” until the 2^nd Century project was officially launched.  This was done in anticipation of possible signage and logo changes, etc. 

I believe the city government and the citizens of Sanford will embrace this project together.  I cannot see how this project could be a success without all the governing body’s participation in some form or fashion.  If the city council chooses to participate in this project it will require some public funding.  

If you “buy in” to the 2^nd Century project… then you believe in the branding, logos, marketing concept, etc.  The branding process will take time. Some of the branding requirements would be new pole banners in downtown, license plates for government automobiles, logos for vehicles, sign changes for public buildings, logo changes for water towers, signage for gateways, etc. If this idea is embraced by the community, then the citizens have decided they do indeed want the brand and logo to represent their community. That being the case……. these items should be paid for with public funds.  This would be the public contribution to a private/public partnership.

The 2^nd Century group plans to fund the project for the first 2 years with private funding.  I applaud their efforts.  There are many marketing ideas and studies, etc. that will require funding.  I wish them great success.  This will take a great deal of time, hard work and money. In the end, I believe for 2^nd Century to succeed the city will have to be committed and that means with some funding……… at the very least committed to the community branding phase of this project.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please call Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

 

Sign…Sign…Everywhere a Sign

 

Politics sometimes gets a little messy.  This year seems a little messier than others. I’m not referring to the differences between the candidates, or their passion for what they believe is right for our community, state, or nation.  I’m referring to the quantity of political signage this year…..the signage that has become litter….and the way campaign signs make our landscape look this time of year.  

This is in no way a “rock” thrown at any candidate or any party.  To have supporters that will put your sign in their yard, or supporters to put signs along roadways (where permitted), is an important part of campaigning. I  put up several hundred yard and street signs myself during my campaign, and will probably be putting them up again in 2009.

If you are going to put up a political sign, please do not put them in the right-of-way.  If you do, city crews may remove the sign for being out of code.  Place your sign behind the street light poles or behind the water meter tap.  Both of these areas are out of the street right-of-way and your sign should not be bothered.  If you do have a sign picked up for some reason, it can usually be found leaning against the back wall of the Federal Building on Carthage Street.  

Four more weeks of campaigning.  I wish every candidate good luck and thanks for trying to make a difference……win or loose. I for one was glad to see election day in 2005, regardless of the outcome. I  hope everyone involved with installing signs will help remove them quickly after the election. 

For more information on street right-of-ways and signage, please call Street Superintendent Magna Halloway at919-775-8326 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

Sanford Police Officer Appreciated by Fayetteville Family

 

We often are disappointed when we hear of individuals in law enforcement acting inappropriately.  It is great to hear positives in a world that is so quick to find the negatives.  The city council received a copy of a letter concerning the actions of a Sanford police officer.  I thought this letter was worth sharing.

The following is the above letter that was written by Mr. Harry Grafinger on September 12th, 2008.  Concerning Officer Marshall L. McNeill of the Sanford Police Department. 

Dear Mr. Hegwer and Chief Yarborough,

     I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the devotion to duty and assistance rendered to me and members of my family, from the above noted officer, while traveling through your city on September 5, 2008 on or about 2100 hours.

I live in Fayetteville, and was on my way home from Raleigh with my son.  I stopped at the Kangaroo gas station at 1130 Horner Blvd. because I needed gas.  I discovered that I had left my wallet in my other car that morning.  I tried to work out some plan of action with the clerk at the gas station, but to no avail.  I tried to explain to the clerk that I had 3 businesses in Fayetteville.  I asked to let me have enough gas to get home still to no avail.  So I requested that he call the police.  One of the kindest officers I’ve ever met in law enforcement arrived.  When I explained my dilemma, this gentleman pulled $50.00 from his wallet and told me to fill it up, with no hesitation what so ever.

This officer conducted himself in a truly professional manner.  He is a credit to his department.  My family and I are indeed grateful for a job well done and his assistance in my time of need.

This is the kind of service our police officers display on a daily basis.  Remember to thank them for their hard work and their contributions, and making our city a better place to live……and in this case, to travel through.

Roadside Litter……Who’s Picking It Up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One goal of the city council this year was to improve the appearance of Sanford.  A piece of that puzzle was to focus on the litter problem along city roadways and find a permanent solution.   The city has tried many different approaches in efforts to control roadside litter.  Unfortunately, these ideas have prove to be unsuccessful.

The city has contracted state inmate labor to remove litter from our roadways.  These crews must be transported and supervised by city staff.  Combined with the Adopt-A-Highway program, this plan seems to be working much better than previous efforts.   https://apps.dot.state.nc.us/AAH/CountyList.aspx

The Adopt-A-Highway program consist of businesses or civic groups cleaning up certain sections of state roadways.  The state erects a sign on that section of road listing the company, or organization that is helping with the clean up. 

Each sponsor is required to remove the litter from both sides of the roadway four times a year.  In some cases there may be requirements for extra clean up, depending on the area.  Some companies use employees to preform the clean up.  Private contractors are also used by some companies.  Either way, the trash is put into orange plastic bags, put into a pile, and picked up later by state DOT crews. 

Litter is a problem in our city.  There are many people working to solve this problem.  Public Works, law enforcement, and many civic organizations just to name a few.  To be successful it will take an effort from us all. 

If you have any suggestions, questions or comments on how we can improve in litter removal, please call City Manager Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201, or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

Street Light Enhancements Are On The Way For Many Neighborhoods in Sanford

 In the weeks ahead, Progress Energy will begin work on the first phase of the new city street lighting enhancement program.  Sanford is one of the first cities in our state committed to making lighting improvements of this type and on this scale. The goal is to raise street lighting levels throughout the city, and comply with the ASHTO (American Association of State Highway Transportation) lighting standards. This should almost double the amount of existing street lighting in our city.

There will be improvements in each Ward in Sanford.  East Sanford, Forrest Hills, Currie Drive and Martin Street are areas slated for improvements.  Areas were chosen by city staff on a worse case basis. 

The lighting will be a three part process:

• Areas marked Red (1) represents the first areas to be enhanced   
• Areas marked Green (2) represent areas pending fund availability and would be second.
• Areas marked Blue (3) represent areas pending fund availability after the second.
• State roads are in PURPLE. Request for enhancements on state roads have been submitted, however take 6 to 9 months for approval.

All areas are throughout the city are unique and will require different levels of funding depending on existing poles, etc.  It is believed that each Ward could receive approximately 90 lights if all goes well. 

This is the first year of many that will focus on street light enhancement.  Be patient, the plan is not to stop until every neighborhood is complete.  This project will take time.  

Improved street lighting is just one pieces of the puzzle that will help make our city a safer place to live.  If you have any questions on this issue please call City Manager Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201 or Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587.

 

Tall Grass Along The Road Ways………Who Cuts What ……and When?

 

Have you ever driven past an area of our city and wondered why the grass was so tall, or why the city hasn’t mowed it?  If so, then you’re not alone. 

The city is responsible for all mowing along city streets and right of ways.  City crews have worked hard to mow on a more frequent basis. Compared to years past, I’d would have to say that the crews have done a pretty good job.  How much rain we receive is also a determining factor.  City buildings, Depot Park, sewer easements, green space owned by the city, flower beds, etc.  are all maintained by the city crews.  This also includes many of the flower beds along the highway bridges and underpasses of US Hwy 1 and Hwy 421.

The State Department of Transportation (DOT) is responsible for mowing state roads and highways.  DOT contracts this service out each year. The contractor mows road sides five times a year. This mowing begins in the spring and every 4 to 6 weeks the contractor is suppose to mow the required areas.  The first, third, and fourth mowing each year consist of just the road side areas.  The second and third mowing consist of the entire right of way owned by the state.  This means everything on both sides of the road, medians, etc.

In some areas the DOT scheduled mowing just does not seem to be frequent enough to keep our city looking as it should.  The city crews weed-eat around signs and flower beds. (the state does not weed-eat) Unfortunately, these flower beds and signs are usually surrounded by very tall grass.  This is not how the system is suppose to work.   I believe this schedule is proving itself to be an unacceptable answer to our mowing needs in certain areas inside the city limits.  

City staff is very aware of this problem. They are currently meeting with the state discusing how scheduling may be improved in these areas so they are cut more frequently. Several options are on the table. This problem should be solved before next years mowing season begins. 

How our city looks and is maintained is very important.  If there are areas that you believe need improvement in Sanford please call City Manager Hal Hegwer at 919-775-8201, Councilman Steve Brewer at 919-770-9587 or any council member.

Problems With Any City Service?……… Who Are You Going To Call?

A few months ago, I received a phone call from a city resident concerning trash pick-up in the neighborhood.  As I rode through the neighborhood on the way to this persons house, I discovered the problem wasn’t the trash pick-up…..it was the container let down. 

I phones Larry Craig at the city who alerted Waste Management there was a problem on that route.  It took about 15 minutes and there were Waste Management employees there picking up the cans and any debris that may have fallen on the ground.  They drove the entire neighborhood to make sure it was corrected. I was later informed that the problem with their driver and/or truck had been resolved.  Problem solved.

The point is this…..Sometimes things are not quite right for one reason or another. Unfortunately, that is the case.  How the city responds to the problems is what’s important.  If you have any problems with Waste Management or any city service, please call any council member, the city manager, or the specific department ( streets, water, etc.) that can help correct your problem.  Large, small…..or even very small, please let us know.  We are all here to fix any problems you may have if at all possible. 

All phone numbers are available on the city web sight.  www.sanfordnc.net  on the left hand side just click phone directory.

Steve Brewer 919-770-9587    City Manager Hal Hegwer 919-775-8201