Inquiry for Road Restoration Highlights Grinnell City Council This Week

Road damage at the corner of 4th and Pearl (photo by Helen Hotchkin)

By Helen Hotchkin

Grinnell, Iowa – Highlights at the City Council Meeting last night were road restoration and repair projects, brought to the table by inquiries from the public.

Grinnell held a regular session of the city council on Monday, March 3, 2014 with all members in attendance; Mayor, Gordon Canfield; Julie Hansen; Rachel Bly; Jim White; Sondra Burnell; Jo Wray; and, Byron Worley with city manager, Russ Behrens.

The first inquiry was in regard to the frigid cold temperatures that have caused many hazardous potholes and road destruction to occur in the area. Plans are in place to begin these repairs as soon as the temperatures remain at a workable degree for the materials needed.

The council also approved the authorization of Mayor Canfield to sign an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) on a Federal-aid Agreement for the Pedestrian Underpass on US Highway 6 between Bliss and Prince through the transportation alternatives project (TAP) fund. Another agreement was approved for Mayor Canfield to sign for the Surface Transportation Program (STP) of the IDOT for the 8th Avenue pavement replacement west from Highway 146 to Spencer Street.

Another inquiry was for landscaping along the roadside from Interstate 80 into town to enhance visitor entrance. Workable plans and budget for this project are to be submitted for consideration.

Also, the council approved a request from the Chamber of Commerce for use of city streets for the Trans Iowa Ultra Bike Race, beginning Saturday, April, 26, 2014 at 3:15 a.m. (not a typo!) at Bikes to You and ending at Krumm Preserve on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.

The next city council meeting will be held March 17, 2014 on the 2nd floor of the Grinnell Community Building at 7 p.m.