By Dave Mehr

November 17, 2006 | PROVIDENCE -- With the creation of a storm water department, utility bills may look a little different for Providence residents when the new year rolls around.

Randy Eck, head of the public works, water, and sewer departments, discussed the need for a storm water department with City Council members Tuesday.

"It is a mandate handed down from the federal government," Eck said. "They did not give us any money to do it. It has to be a utility fee."

Eck explained that the need for the new department will require new utilities and services, one of which could be a street sweeper in the future. "A storm water utility fee allows us the means of getting the things we need," Eck said.

"It would be so nice to comment after this than at the beginning," resident Sharell Eames said. "We're wondering why we can't make comments after we've been informed."

"I live here too. I would just as soon not pay any more taxes than the rest of you," Eck said.

Providence residents can plan on receiving more information about the storm water department and the utility fee in December's newsletter. The new utility fee will be effective in January.

Council members also discussed and unanimously approved the removal of a stop sign on 400 South and Main Street, to stop the north and south bound traffic but keep the east and west-bound traffic flowing.

"There are a lot of other streets with a much higher risk of accidents," said Linda Goetze. "Stop signs also increase pollution. They can be somewhat useful, but should be used to maximize public safety."

The four-way stop was first created when there were numerous children walking to and from elementary school, but now the need for a school zone is not as great.

"You're supposed to give precedence to the majority of flowing traffic," Eck said.

Councilwoman Kathy Baker, who initially made the request to remove the stop sign, said, "That's the way the traffic wants to go and needs to go."

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