City Council News: Treats in the Streets, Fall Clean-up, Getting a Tank!?, Parking Lot for Walking Paths, City Christmas Tree Lighting, City Growth

 

Treats in the Streets

What a great street party we had on October 20th! I hope everyone got a chance to enjoy the goodies, music, costumes, bounce houses, rock climbing wall, military display, cheerleader performances, crafts and food vendors, and the gorgeous weather that day!

Tamara and I had fun working the little carnival game in front of city hall. A big thanks to the city staff who helped make it all happen! Next time you stop by city hall, let Wendy, Shelley, and Erieka know they did a great job (Arlynn and his public works crew too).

Fall Clean-Up

This year's city-wide fall clean-up is complete. The city is not planning for one next year, and we didn't budget for it. Even with the added fee on utility bills this past year, we didn't have enough to cover the clean-up or the dumpster in the city yard. Of course, things can always change, but for now, it looks like the general city-wide, clean-up events are done.

We hope that neighbors will continue to help neighbors who may need help with major clean-up projects for their home or property. We have a great tradition of helping one another in our city that I'm sure will continue.

 

 

Getting a Tank!?

The mayor, with the support of the city council, has applied to a federal program for a decommissioned military vehicle, specifically a tank--Mayor Adams was hoping we could get a working one! The plan is to have it placed in our Veterans Park near the Thomas C. Neibaur Memorial.

I think it would be a great addition to the park and would bring even more attention to our city's great heritage and the Neibaur Memorial. Some members of the city council are concerned about the possible cost the city would have to pay for the decommissioning and transportation of the vehicle. This is a valid concern, and if or when we are notified of an available vehicle through this program, we will see if we can get enough donations from residents, organizations, businesses, or grants to help cover the expense. 

I wasn't on a tank crew when I was in the army, but I'm for this plan, and I think we can make it happen and be wise about city money as well. The council voted to approve the application and then we'll see what the costs and requirements are when the time comes and deliberate again before we accept the vehicle.

Parking Lot for Walking Paths

The public works department is working on a plan for a parking lot on the west side of town for those who use the walking paths--the one leading to Rexburg and the one in the business park. With the new businesses going up in the business park, it's important we remember there is no regular street parking in the business park. The plan is to put a parking lot on the city-owned southwest corner of Center St and Railroad Ave with a crosswalk and path connecting to the path in the business park. This would be a good parking area for disc golfers as well. This is just in planning phase.

On a related note, the contract has been awarded for the new sidewalks and crosswalk lights near the junior high and other locations in the city. We don't have a set timeline yet for the work.

City Christmas Tree Lighting

Put Monday, December 5th at 6pm on your calendar. That is when we'll throw the switch to light up our Christmas display in Heritage Park. Come for the friends and songs and snacks and The Jolly Old Elf!

City Growth

Even with the economic challenges we're experiencing, our area and city are still growing. We have new neighborhoods and commercial centers being built or being planned. As our population grows, I'm confident our town spirit of friendliness and unity can grow as well. Please stay involved in the community, including volunteering for city boards, commissions, and events. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me or any member of the city council or the mayor or city staff. We serve you and we're happy to.

I hope we all have a great winter, with plenty of cold snow and warm homes.