City hall has no plans to install rebar in sidewalks in areas where the soil moves frequently but could conduct a test section to see how effective that would be.
During the recent city council meeting, Coun. Jamey Logan inquired about sidewalks in areas with heavy clay soils, such as Calypso Drive. He noted that there is no rebar there but wondered if there would be any benefit to installing such material in heavy clay areas.
“You would still get the cracking, but maybe the sidewalk wouldn’t come apart and be a dangerous occurrence,” he added.
The engineering department changed policy last year where it deepened the sand base of sidewalks to six inches from four inches, while it now conducts more tests of that sand when it’s below grade, explained director Bevan Harlton. Meanwhile, the department does not install rebar in sidewalks unless it’s a commercial crossing with heavy vehicle traffic.
“So yes, rebar helps, but it comes at a cost,” he added.
Logan wondered if there were opportunities to test rebar-infused concrete on Calypso Drive since some sidewalks were cracked and “awful.” He has walked there and noticed that some sidewalks replaced in 2017 look like they’re from 2005.
He thought a test section could help city hall determine how much extra it would cost to install rebar in future sidewalks and how such infrastructure reacts over time.
Most problems with sidewalks or roads are because of issues underneath those surfaces, Harlton said. However, he would review Calypso Drive and determine what the problems are.
Traffic accidents
Meanwhile, Harlton told Coun. Doug Blanc that he would investigate whether there was an increase in traffic accidents at the corner of Fourth Avenue Northwest and Macdonald Street West and determine whether a four-way stop was necessary.
Blanc has heard from residents that that intersection is dangerous because the hill prevents clear visibility.
Sunningdale School
City manager Jim Puffalt told Blanc that it was an oversight on city hall’s part to replace the sidewalks near Sunningdale School now instead of waiting until July or August. The standard operating procedure is to stay away from schools while in session.
“We made a mistake. We corrected it by stopping all the work there. We’re not going to pave in front of the school until July,” Puffalt added. “Certainly, it was our mistake and we talked to the principal … to express our regrets on the decision-making.”
Duffield Crescent
The city ripped up seven sidewalks on Duffield Crescent years ago because of sewer replacements and left them as gravel, Blanc said. He wondered if city hall planned to pave them.
Those sidewalks are listed for paving this year — late summer or early fall — while the public works department is investigating why they were left for so long, said director Darrin Stephanson.
City hall security
Coun. Dawn Luhning asked why the Commissionaires were still at the front doors of city hall and why city administration hadn’t eliminated those positions since the province had lifted COVID-19 restrictions.
City administration hired the Commissionaires for a year, not knowing at the time whether the pandemic would still be ongoing, said Puffalt. So, their presence is budgeted, while they also provide a sense of security for the building.
“Not all our customers are as friendly as they can be,” he added.
Flying rats
The parks and recreation department is investigating how to handle the pigeon problem in Moose Jaw, especially downtown, said director Derek Blais. The department plans to test new preventative materials under the bridge in Crescent Park but is acquiring prices from contractors and looking at other solutions.
“The entrance to the (Kinsmen) Sportsplex is another area that’s bad. We (also) have a lot of issues at our city complex with pigeons,” he added. “So, if we do find something that is successful, I’m sure we can share it with the community if people are having issues.”
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 27.
