The Mayor’s Corner 07/24/2019

Mayor Diana Thomas

Progress on East Galloway is moving quickly. It was amazing watching to machine put in the curb and gutter in a two-day span. The City will begin working on replacing and repairing landscaping on each of the properties. Irrigation systems and vegetation will be replaced.
Placement of the curb gutter and sidewalk along East Sixth will begin later this week or early next week. Idaho Power replaced and moved poles along the East Sixth corridor last week and some lines will be adjusted to eliminate the possibility of catching on trucks or farm vehicles. The target date of the middle of August for completion is still on track.
The work on the new sewer line behind the “Ole Tute” should be completed this week. They have replaced 482 feet of line behind the Fiddle office and improved access to the line.
The Water Department is busy doing fire hydrant maintenance. This is an annual inspection done each year to ensure the hydrants are functioning when needed.
The Electric Department is working with Hata Electric to replace the podium on the power by the Snake River Bridge which was destroyed by a car accident. The crews were able to keep the power on temporarily until equipment arrived and will now get the system fixed.
Bumps in the power lines have sorted out a little but summer always brings surprises. The bump on Sunday was again the result of a small animal and the replacement parts were put in without any delays.
I was able to tour the new Ridley’s building last week, too. It is looking really good and very big. The shelving for the hardware store was being laid out as we toured. There was a team working to get the shelving done and when the main area of the store ready, the team will shift over and set shelves in the grocery area. The perimeter of the grocery area is lined with coolers of all kinds as well as coolers in the main area for frozen foods.
The deli area has a nice seating area both inside and outside and a large area that appears to be for a large food bar. The bakery area has lots of equipment and space for large displays. The pharmacy and ICON Credit Union will sit at the front of the store as you walk in. It is coming soon, Weiser.
After the wind storms last week, the City received lots of calls from residents wanting the crews to cut down limbs and cut up trees on private property. Just a reminder: The City will remove limbs hanging over the street so that street maintenance equipment can safely be operated at the curb line. They will also remove trees or limbs in the City rights-of-way if there is a hazard created by a tree or bush. We will also remove limbs that may cause a hazard to power lines.
The City does not compete with private business by removing trees or limbs on private property or hazards created by private companies. If you have any questions, contact the City office for more information.
Make sure you have the Washington County Fair beginning on Monday, July 29 and the Court Street Cruise on August 3 on your calendars. Check local media for more up-to-date information.