CLEARLAKE ? The Clearlake City Council recognized citizen Jim Honegger Thursday for inspiring a new program aimed at increasing the safety of the city”s residents. Honegger initiated a Safety Sign Program with a $200 donation and challenges members of the community to match his generosity.
“Jim really got this program going,” Public Works Director Doug Herren said. “He made the first donation of $200 to the City of Clearlake to get it off the ground.”
Honegger said that dialogue for the program began during Safe Route to Schools task force meetings, which included the participation of Herren and Councilmember Joyce Overton. Discussion of safety concerns led to Honegger working directly with Herren to initiate the Safety Sign Program, in which high prismatic, reflective school and pedestrian crosswalk signs will be purchased.
Herren said that the state is phasing out the 24-inch signs that are currently being used and will be requiring 30-inch signs now and into the future. Sign prices range between $45 and $100 apiece.
“My department got hit pretty hard by the state this year,” Herren said. “With Jim”s donation and help, it takes some of the pressure off.”
Herren said the city is looking into the use of mid-street yield signs as well with a possible test location identified in the area of Austin Park.
Those donating to the program have the option of identifying a sign for replacement. Installation of new signs, however, is at the discretion of the city as it requires approval by the city”s traffic engineer.
Mayor Chuck Leonard presented a certificate of appreciation to Honegger on behalf of city during Thursday”s regular city council meeting. The certificate reads:
“WHEREAS, Jim Honegger”s pride in his community and concern for the safety of the City of Clearlake”s citizens gave him the inspiration to begin a program to donate designated funds that will be used for crosswalk signs throughout the city; and
“WHEREAS, in June 2009, Jim began working with the City”s Public Works Department to bring this Safety Sign Program to fruition; and
“WHEREAS, due to Jim”s hard work, diligence and volunteer efforts, the first crosswalk signs will be placed at Austin Park at Lakeshore Drive, where many children and adults cross the busy road; and
“WHEREAS, due to Jim”s volunteer efforts, beginning in August 2009 the children of the community will have a safer place to play and cross the streets of Clearlake; and
“WHEREAS, Jim Honegger is a great example of how the efforts of citizens to benefit their community can make our City a better place to live.
“THEREFORE LET IT BE PROCLAIMED the City Council of the City of Clearlake hereby wishes to recognize Jim Honegger for his efforts and to commend him for the valuable contribution he has provided to the citizens of Clearlake.”
Donations to the program can be made at Clearlake City Hall during regular business hours. Donors should identify the Safety Sign Program.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
