The Mayor’s Corner 07/03/2017

It has been busy in the City with the Fiddle Festival and 4th of July. Crews are getting back to regular maintenance this week. The Street Crew will be getting flags down and barricades picked up this week and then move on to more normal activities. One of the big projects this summer for the Street crew will again be working on replacing ADA ramps on the corners along Main and Idaho Streets which are still part of the State highway system. This project is the second half of a grant program that was started last summer. The next big project on their five year plan is the replacement of the bridge on W. 9th Street along with resurfacing and the addition of curb and gutter and sidewalk on the east side of W. 9th. This construction is scheduled for the summer of 2019.

With this project coming up, the following statistics makes it a little more understandable as to why it takes so long for streets and roads to get completed. These costs are for City streets and they are based on the cost per mile to build: curbs and gutter-$237,000; sidewalks-$317,000;street with center line and crosswalk-$950,00; street light-$250,000; traffic light-$250,000; fire hydrants-$95,000. This information was gathered by the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC). While much of the cost is through transportation funding, there is always a match amount which must come from the city no matter the size. It sometimes takes several years for the City to accumulate the need match money before beginning a project.

AIC recently did a survey throughout Idaho to identify the most important issues facing cities. The top issues identified were 1) Public Works Infrastructure 42%; 2) Economic Development 22%; 3) City Budget/Finance 18%; 4) Public Safety 10%; and 5) Other 8%. Cities, no matter the size, face similar issues.

The City has been working like many of our residents to get roofs repaired after the harsh winter. Repair work has been completed on the Electric Department, the Vendome Event Center, City office building, the Council Chambers/Rec Department and the Shop. The library building will have the roof replaced later this fall. We are also replacing the covered area in the City parking area that fell in from the snow.

Just a reminder in this hot, dry weather to be cautious with fires. There is currently no burn ban in place, however the conditions are very dry for fire. Remember to call dispatch at 414-2121 if you are burning within the City and let then know when you are burning. Fire pits, fire rings and other recreational fires are allowed if commercially made with screens. Other outdoor fire pits should be okayed by the Chief or Fire Code official. If your fire is offense to neighbors, you may be asked to extinguish it. Be careful how ashes from fires and barbecues are removed and where they are placed while still hot.

It’s Rodeo time again! Weiser Valley Round-up is this weekend at the Fred Hust Arena, July 6-8. Pre-rodeo events begin at 7 p.m. and the rodeo at 8 p.m. The weather is forecasted for hot, hot so come prepared.