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Council debates stop signs, contracts

DAVENPORT - The Davenport City Council on Wednesday, January 8, discussed adding new stop signs near the school and reviewed the first reading of a long-overdue franchise agreement renewal with Avista Utilities.

The council reviewed an ordinance granting Avista Utilities a nonexclusive franchise to construct, operate, and maintain electrical infrastructure within city limits.

The agreement, which has not been updated in years, required clarification of the effective date and a new signature page after the city received a document containing the name of a former employee.

"It took about four months to get the contract worked through," Councilmember Lance Strite said, noting the back-and-forth process between Avista's attorneys and the city's legal representatives.

The first reading of the ordinance was completed after Strite motioned to clarify the date on page one and update the signature page. The motion was seconded and approved, and the agreement will be revisited at the next council meeting.

The council also discussed placing new stop signs at intersections near the school.

Mayor Jonathan Chapman proposed converting the intersection at Main Street and 8th Street into a four-way stop to address frequent stops and starts by school buses.

"I think a four-way stop right at the school makes sense," Chapman said.

A sheriff's deputy in attendance cautioned that three-way stop signs often create confusion for drivers, adding they are among the most problematic traffic control measures.

The council will continue discussions on traffic safety at a future meeting.

In other business, a discussion regarding the city's tourism fund was postponed.

Chapman said he wants all council members present before moving forward with the topic.

The council approved the payment of bills following a motion by Councilmember Robert Jenkins, as well as the minutes from the previous meeting.

Chapman adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m.

Author Bio

Olivia Harnack, Managing Editor

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Olivia Harnack is the award-winning managing editor/photographer/videographer/columnist at the Lincoln County Record-Times, with offices in both Davenport and Odessa, Wash. She is a University of Idaho graduate and a U.S. Army National Guardsman.

 

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