City of Mattoon

Fire hydrant Flow Testing to begin September 1

On 31 August 2010

The city’s Fire Department will begin flow testing fire hydrants September 1 and continue until all hydrants are tested.

ShowImage Flow testing will be conducted Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Hydrant testing is done to ensure all city hydrants and water lines are operating properly and will be usable during a fire emergency.

Flow testing may cause discoloration of household water in or near the areas being tested which is a result of iron deposits being disturbed during the testing process.

Iron deposits can build up inside pressure tanks, water heaters and water pipes. It occasionally breaks loose, causing rusty water to flow when faucets are first opened. This happens especially when city or household water lines are disturbed, (e.g., moved, replaced, back flushed, or repaired) and rust breaks loose from old pipes.

Residents are advised to check their water for signs of discoloration prior to doing laundry. If there is discoloration in the water, let it run until it clears before doing laundry. Usually this takes less than five minutes. If laundry appears stained, keep the articles wet and rewash them using a rust removing compound such as ROVER or RID which is sold at local stores. Do not bleach stained laundry as it will “set” the stain.

The water is safe to drink at all times while this work is being done.

If you have questions in regards to the water, call the Public Works Department at 235-5171 or the Water Treatment Plant at 234-2454. If you have questions on or about fire hydrants please call Mattoon Fire Department at 235-0931.

Community Pride Campaign ...

On 11 August 2010

The City is making great strides in our Community Pride campaign. With the help of community members and businesses, we have accomplished 6 demolitions so far with more pending. Let’s keep up the good work!!

Updated Structure list

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Progress Square Imagery

On 21 July 2010

Three weeks ago the city held a workshop to get input from citizens and downtown business owners as to what they thought the look of Progress Sqaure should be. We recently received the site imagery from Design Perspectives, the landscape architects. The design adds some much needed "green" space to our downtown district and higlights the downtown mural.

The project is slated to cost about $200,000, which will be completely funded by the Midtown TIF District.

Attachments:
Progress Square Aerial	416 Kb	07/21/10 13:08
Progress Square Parking lot	329 Kb	07/21/10 13:06
Progress Square Image Board	2262 Kb	07/21/10 13:06

Lake Mattoon Waterfowl Hunting ...

On 07 July 2010

The City of Mattoon has announced the time for the annual drawing to assign waterfowl hunting privileges at Lake Mattoon. The drawing will be held in the Council Chambers at the Mattoon City Hall at 2 p.m. on Tuesday August 3rd.

Lake Mattoon Waterfowl Drawing Application Forms are available at the Mattoon City Clerk’s Office in City Hall, 208 N. 19th Street.

Lake Mattoon Waterfowl Hunting Rules and the Drawing Application Form can also be found on the City of Mattoon Website at the following link: Waterfowl Rules & Application

The City of Mattoon has 12 blind locations designated for the hunting of waterfowl at Lake Mattoon. Last year 65 pairs of applicants signed up for the chance to win hunting privileges at the blinds.

For more information contact:

Mattoon Public Works Director: David Wortman, 217-235-5460

Park Vandalism

On 01 July 2010

City of Mattoon Asks for help fighting vandalism in City Parks

The City of Mattoon needs help fighting vandalism in its City parks. Recently, staff spent extra time and money to remove graffiti, replace mulch and clean up park benches. The next night, graffiti was back, obscenities were carved into the picnic tables and a few weeks ago, someone set fire to the new mulch. The City has replaced the rings on an overhead piece of playground equipment in Lawson Park 3 times.

City Administrator Sue McLaughlin says, “It’s very unfortunate that some individuals choose to destroy equipment that is meant for the enjoyment of the community. We need residents to assist the police department and parks department in reducing these crimes.”

Parks hit recently include Lawson Park, Vanlaningham Park and Peterson Park. The police department has beefed up patrols in the area, but cannot always catch offenders. Homeowners surrounding those parks and in those areas should contact the police department whenever they see criminal activity or suspicious behavior. The costs attributed to some of these crimes can reach the thousands depending on the frequency and amount of damage.