Though it be little, it too has traffic issues. At the November 12 meeting, complaints of traffic issues garnered the majority of city council discussion with Councillors Loren Rue and Dave Colbenson adding the item to the agenda.
Rue indicated complaints were received from a resident in the area of Park Street and River Street. The concern was mainly speeding. Park Street is a four block stretch which turns north at the east end, becoming a two block stretch of River Street. There are no traffic signs along the route with exception stop signs at both the west and east intersections with County Highway 25.
Rue suggested the city consider a speed tracking line, potentially borrowed from the county or another entity, across the road to determine the extent of the problem. “I’m curious to know how many people are driving Park and River as opposed to going up County 25,” he added.
Colbenson noted the possibility of speed bumps had been previously discussed, but that the expense is an added concern. “Figuring out speed is one thing, but an obstacle would make people slow down,” he noted.
Councilor Gail Boyum pointed out another option utilized for similar issues is the relocation to or placement of stop signs at an intersection along Park Street. The intersection of Victory Street and Park, in front of the former R-P Middle School, is the likeliest of proposed locations. “It could deter excessive speeds,” she stated.
“We could put stop signs all the way up Park just to slow them down,” suggested Rue.
“Moving them previously stopped it,” added Boyum, who further suggested the intersection of Centennial Street and Park could be an option. Mayor Tim Hallum quickly shot down the idea of a controlled intersection at that location due to Grace Lutheran Church being in the south side center of it.
As this is the first complaint about speeding along Park and River, the council will be include information about it in the upcoming newsletter to gauge resident feedback on the issue and options.
The second traffic complaint was in regards to vehicles driving a gravel road that runs parallel to North Church Street, in front of two residences and several grain bins owned by Chuck’s Feed & Grain. According to Colbenson, who acknowledged he lives on the road, vehicles not related to the business are driving down the road and around the commercial scale on the south end of it. Colbenson described witnessing truck and livestock trailer “cruising right past” and also captured footage on security cameras on his property.
“It’s happened before, but this time was the last straw. There are kids in the neighborhood,” he noted. “Some have been respectful, some not.” While there are currently signs notifying children at play and that a hearing impaired child in the area, it was suggested by some that 10-mile per hour speed signs could be added. Colbenson felt that would have little effect and asked that gravel speed bumps be added by the city so they couldn’t be removed by the business owner. However, the road is owned and maintained by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), so the city has no authority to make any modifications to it. Colbenson will contact the DNR directly regarding the issue.
In other news, the city reviewed both ordinance violations and unpaid utility bills. Three properties remain in non-compliance of ordinances and were issued administrative citations. Clerk Chris Grindland noted there was not time to give notice to the property owners about certifying the fees to the county for addition to property taxes. In addition, he noted the council has the right to waive the fees if the issues are rectified immediately. Hallum, Colbenson, and Councilor Lisa Price seemed to favor waiting as well.
“I don’t agree,” countered Rue. “I think action should be taken. They’ve had a whole year practically.”
Hallum pointed out that it’s been a few months for these particular issues and that the original 23 violators are now down to just three. “Let’s leave it for the time being, but keep an eye on it.”
There are currently $7,872 in unpaid utility bills. At this time last year, that amount was $13,657. A letter regarding the outstanding balance has been sent to the property owners, who have until November 30 to pay the balance. After that date, the outstanding amounts will be certified to the county for property taxes. Shuts offs were done in 2020, which helped mitigate the problem. They will be utilized again in 2021.
2020 Election canvassing was completed and the city will see two new councilors come January. Current Councilor Loren Rue was running for reelection against newcomers Chris Stenzel, Tracy Seelbinder, and Pete Erickson. Stenzel and Seelbinder garnered the majority of votes.
Tim Hallum was reelected mayor with 101 votes. There were an additional 10 write-ins, not counting three that were for fictional characters, which are not counted or approved by the county.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting has been moved to Tuesday, December 8, at 6 p.m., at city hall, due to a schedule conflict for the mayor. The meeting is open to the public.
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