City wants to change logo
City officials-if discussions at the committee of the whole meeting last week are any indication-are thinking it's time for a new symbol. But so far they can't decide on one.
The existing logo shows skyscrapers next to a rooster-illustrating Waterloo's "city conveniences and rural advantages"-set over a stylized "W" for "Waterloo.""Four years ago, (Action Graphics of Waterloo) submitted (16 proposed new designs), but it was never acted on," City Finance Director Shawn Kennedy said.
Most of those designs incorporate the Mary Ziebold Memorial Fountain, which most aldermen appear to favor, as well as the Gateway Arch, which they don't seem to feel is appropriate.
"The Arch doesn't need to be in it, that's St. Louis. We're not St. Louis," Mayor Tom Smith said.
No decision was made to choose any of the proposed designs or to seek the creation of a new one, but a consensus appeared to surface to steer away from a German-themed logo that would too closely resemble Columbia's, symbolized by lederhosen-clad Fritz Schnickel.
Sentiment for stoplight at Waterloo Commons grows
In February when aldermanic president Charles Metzger suggested public safety would be improved if an electric signal was placed at the Bradford Lane/Waterloo Commons intersection with N. Market Street, 1st Ward Alderman Steve Notheisen countered with concerns over congestion another stoplight would cause.
Now, he agrees with Metzger.
"I'd mentioned I thought it was too close. But I've been told by people who live in my ward we need a traffic light at Bradford Lane," Notheisen said, suggesting the city seek a traffic study.
The Illinois Department of Transportation would have to approve a new traffic signal and it is likely the city would have to pay at least a portion of the cost.
Notheisen said some motorists don't use the third, center lane near the intersection properly, "which makes it dangerous for those who do use it appropriately."
Alderman Larry Goessling said the intersection can be "scary" and had dramatically increased traffic on Bradford Lane.
