There has been some discussion in area media about the procedure regarding fire hydrants. The following information from Water Supervisor, Bill Taylor.
“The City of Weiser has 278 fire hydrants currently in service. For the past 25 years, we have been replacing old hard to turn and the lower flow two port hydrants at a rate of five to ten hydrants a year. As a result of that, 80% of our fire hydrants are less than 20 years old and the oldest is a little over 50 years old and operates like it did when it was new. All fire hydrants in the water distribution system are maintained by the City of Weiser Water Department with the help of the Weiser City Fire Department. As part of our maintenance program all the fire hydrants in the City are operated, flushed, and inspected annually. If any issues are discovered they are documented and repaired as soon as possible.”
The fire hydrants are a self-draining variety but we all know winter can create some challenges and the Water Department works hard to stay on top of any trouble areas. We appreciate those residents who help during the snowy weather to keep snow away from the hydrants and keep us informed of problem areas.
We had an opportunity recently to visit with a representative from the Union Pacific Railroad. During the meeting, we discussed areas concern regarding UPRR property that is not being cared for and becoming weed patches. It is our hope to see the area by the pond taken care of better and other UPRR property overseen a little better.
During our discussion, the UPRR representative ask us to remind people of the need to notify them when activities are being planned adjacent to railroad property. “These might include celebrations, high, wide or low clearance movements, such as house transport or traveling amusement park rides; unanticipated events, such as funeral processions or local government agency activities; and cattle crossings. Only in rare circumstances will train traffic be stopped or rerouted for events such as: sports, such as marathons and bicycle rides; motorcades, including car or motorcycle parades; county or state fairs, carnivals and farmers markets; parades, celebrations concerts, rallies, marches or other large gatherings.”
The area around the Depot is still UPRR property, so any activities around that area need to be cleared through the Architectural Preservation Committee and UPRR.
UPRR also has a grant program for local grants for 501C-3 organizations. The emphasis for the grants are in three areas, safety, workforce development, and local needs. In the area of safety, they are looking for programs that: 1) Encourage safe behaviors and prevent accidents through education and awareness. 2) Eliminate risks and improve safe access to community spaces through infrastructure improvements. 3) Prepare and equip citizens and emergency responders. 4) Prevent crime and incidents of violence.
Workforce development would include programs to put youth on the right track; raise awareness of, educate and prepare young adults; up-skill the existing workforce; and provide training and mentorship for nonprofit professionals.
A small portion of the funding is allocated for programs specific to local communities. This would include programs to improve the quality of life among the general public and address a critical challenge among those most in need. For more information on these grant opportunities go online to www.up.com/found.
Reminder: if children or adults are walking or running in the early morning or evening, please wear light clothing so you can be seen. With the later sunrise and early sunsets, it is difficult for drivers to see these pedestrians. This morning two young men were walking down State Street and with dark back packs and clothing they were impossible to see until right on them. Please remember, safety first.
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