The Mayor’s Corner 08/15/18

Yes, they are really removing the destruction on the current Ridley’s property. Many of us have watched patiently or impatiently for the remaining walls to be removed fearing more falling debris. The contractor has been removing items from the inside and are moving ahead to take down the walls. It will be reassuring as we look toward another winter soon.
We continue to work through the legal process of getting the Whitman building removed. The property owners will not respond to any form of correspondence and the ‘wheels of justice’ move very slowly sometimes. The City has had to resort to having other jurisdictions serve papers to assure some level of notification. We will keep trying.
Last week, representatives from the City met with representatives from ITD about the safety on Hwy 95 through the City limits. Safe travel east and west for travelers continues to be a great concern as well as emergency vehicles and pedestrians crossing with the increased traffic on Hwy 95.
ITD continues to press their choice of narrowing Hwy 95 to two lanes through town and putting a round-about at the intersection of Hwy 95 and Main Street as the answer to our concerns. They would restrict traffic to the two lanes and make the other lanes as parking or some other use. In discussing these alternatives, City representatives agree that a stoplight would provide more safety and a smoother flow of traffic through town. Not only do we feel ITD’s solution would back traffic up but it would cause obstructions to the businesses along the corridor. Currently there are no roundabouts on the Idaho State highway system so we have no way to gauge their effectiveness in a comparable situation in Idaho.
The Idaho Transportation Department has offered to partner with the City on a light if the City will pay 90% of the cost. This seems a little high considering it is their highway that is creating the hazard. Currently, the City pays for the upkeep of all the crossings and markings on the highway. My understanding is ITD is responsible for traffic lights which may explain some of the hesitation.
The City continues to work on a solution to the concerns for safety for our residents and visitors on Hwy 95 in the city.
Remember Park Street will be closed from State Street to Hwy 95 all day Wednesday, August 15. Residents and business employees are asked to park on side streets. Vehicles will be towed at owners’ expense if not moved off the street before Wednesday morning.
Asphalt work will be done on Flintlock and Indianhead Streets on Thursday to repair work done by Wastewater and Water Departments. W. 9th will not be done at this time. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we improve services in the area.
Work will be done on the last two ADA ramps on the corner of West Main and W.1st Street this week as well. Please watch for signage and flaggers in this area.
City Parks crew will be watering Memorial Park heavily this week and will be moving bleachers back to the football field. The fences will be set up and goal posts put in place to prepare for little league games and the first home Wolverine high school game on Friday, August 24. Go Wolverines fall sports.
School will be starting in one week. Doors open for students on Wednesday, August 22. Please drive carefully in our school zones and remember to stop for school buses. The City and School District will again partner to watch for unsafe passing of buses and violators will be cited. Remember to stop at pedestrian crossings and watch for those little ‘darters’ around the schools particularly in the mornings and at pick up times.