At the May 15 Preston City Council meeting, the proposed sidewalk improvements for 2017 were discussed. Councilman David Collett was absent.
Public Works Director Jim Bakken completed the annual sidewalk inspection in April. Any deviations over one inch were marked. Five locations were selected based on condition, volume and traffic, and funds available. His feasibility report includes proposed sidewalk improvements in and near the 100 block of Main St. SW and the 200 block of Fillmore St. W.
The total estimated cost of the improvements is $14,389, of which $10,785.25 will be the city’s portion. The proposed assessments total $3,483.75 for the owners of the five benefiting properties.
Bakken explained that the city budgets $5,000 each year for sidewalk improvements. No improvements were made in 2016. Bakken recommended scheduling sidewalk improvements every two to three years to provide a larger job to interest contractors.
The feasibility report was accepted and the public hearing was set for June 5.
Other business in brief
• City Administrator Joe Hoffman explained the city could and should do more for computer security. A proposal was submitted by Bluff Country Computer Works to upgrade the city’s wireless computer network. The upgrade will include installation of routers, switches and access points in city hall for improved security and reliability.
• Included will be a wireless connection to the fire hall. The upgrade will allow police officers parked outside to connect with the network in city hall with their squad computers. The equipment will cost $929.65, which will be split by city/public utility ($803.90) and ambulance/fire department ($124.95). Installation (labor) by Bluff Country Computer Works will be an in-kind compensation for their continued use of the city hall roof for one of their network antennas.
• Approval was given for the city to contribute $506.22 for the alley portion of the sealing and striping of the F & M Bank lots. Hoffman noted that the city’s alley policy does not apply to sealing or chip sealing. The work will be done by Crystal Clear Services, using a water based sealer product. Councilman Robert Maust voted no.
• The fourth annual fundraiser/steak dinner for Preston Emergency Services was scheduled for Friday, May 19.
• It was noted that the Utility Commission approved the purchase of the city’s share of the 2009 pickup after repairs for $8,500.
• Notice was given of a press release from Greg Davids stating that $10 million has been included in a state government finance committee report for the establishment of a new veterans home fund.