A Christmas grinch was at work, spoiling the City of Zillah’s plans to have its first stop light operating by Christmas.
According to Zillah Public Works Director Tim Tilley, crews have completed the installation of new street light poles along First Avenue and have installed the new signal lights at the intersection of First Avenue and Vintage Valley Parkway, but a mechanism that controls the lights remains on backorder.
The new stoplight was part of a $600,000 street improvement project, which began in June. A majority of the funding for the work came from a State Transportation Improvement bond, with matching funds from the county and city. The roadwork was completed in late fall, with just the light poles and signals still on order.
City officials had hoped to have the new light working by Christmas, but Tilley announced at the Zillah Council meeting on Dec. 21 that the signal mechanism was still on back order.
“It will be late January and probably sometime in February before the light is active and working,” Tilley said.
In other action at their last council meeting of 2009, the five-member council spent a majority of its study session prior to the regular meeting reviewing the year and acknowledging the city’s department heads for creating a successful year.
“I thank you all for an outstanding year,” said Zillah Mayor Gary Clark, as he addressed the staff department heads and his council. “Unlike many other communities, Zillah is in good shape. I expect 2010 to be even better.”
Zillah Police Chief Dave Simmons reported a local fireworks stand’ permit has been approved and the stand, located on First Avenue near Zillah Food Center will be selling fireworks for three days – Dec. 29, 30 and 31.
City of Zillah municipal codes allow fireworks to be shot off from noon on Thursday, Dec. 31 through 1 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. According to Simmons, the same fireworks rules and regulations for the Fourth of July also apply when discharging fireworks on New Year’s.
Residents who discharge fireworks illegally could be cited for a misdemeanor, which includes a $500 fine and/or up to a year in jail.