Sidewalk on 3rd South
Several people who live along 3rd South came in to city council during public comment and asked a number of questions and expressed concerns about the plan for the walking path along the city right of way on the north side of 3rd South. We appreciate public involvement and comment. We are grateful when residents take the time to come in and speak to the Mayor and the City Council.
Public comment time during regular city council meetings is not normally a time for back-and-forth conversation with the mayor and the city council. But it is great for residents to come in and present their thoughts on topics they are interested in or concerned about. I also appreciate the conversations I have with city residents outside of council meetings.
One of the concerns regarding the path was the width of the path. The city was able to secure a deal with the company that has been putting in the other sidewalks around town as shown in the map. So, late summer or into September, the work along 3rd South should be underway. It will be a 5ft-wide sidewalk instead of an 8ft-wide asphalt path, which I think will be good for the residents along the route and for those who will use the sidewalk.
Successful Sugar Days
Sugar Days was enjoyable as always! We had a bit of a rain scare for about an hour, but then the weather cleared up and it was a nice day. The breakfast sponsored by Stone's Toyota was well attended 500+ people ate some good pancakes! We ran out of fruit pretty fast, so next year, we'll get more.
I appreciate our sponsors who make the activities and prizes available free of charge for the kids and youth. If you want to be a sponsor for Sugar Days next year or for other events the city may have, please contact me or city hall.
We added a band this year, and I thoroughly enjoyed that. We'll give it another go next year, I think, along with the talent show. And thanks to all the vendors who were selling things or sharing information. It makes for a fun atmosphere. If you'd like to see additional activities associated with Sugar Days, please let us know, and even better, please volunteer to help us make it even better next year.
2024 City Budget
The city is working on the budget for 2024. It's an enjoyable and challenging process. I appreciate the mayor and city staff and the work and consideration they put in to the budgeting process. In the end, the city council votes to adopt the final budget, and it's good to get as much input as we can from Sugar City residents and the city staff who are daily in the "trenches" of helping keep Sugar City a great place to live. If residents have input for the city budget, they should let the mayor and/or the city council know. The budget will be proposed and a public hearing held and then a final 2024 budget passed within the next couple of months.
Happy Independence Day!
I hope everyone enjoys the 4th this week as we celebrate our wonderful history and freedoms. We have a wonderful country. May we all be active in keeping it so.
Sugar City is a wonderful community! I'm grateful to serve on the city council, and I'm more grateful to live here with all of you.