Projects may be delayed; city crews have been busy

Letter to the Editor,

A few questions for the City Council have arisen that I would like to address publicly in an effort to enlighten everyone.

We’ve faced two main problems this year that are being addressed back-to-back, which has kept our street crew extremely busy.  

The water mains purchased from Pacific Power in the ’80s have, over time, developed extensive leaks and pressure problems. We also have issues with the roads being built up over the years with patch jobs upon patch jobs in way of repairs.

Consequently, we have chosen to pave the streets as water main repairs are completed.  As it is too soon to chip-seal the new roads, that will remain a project for next year.

As for the Asphalt Zipper it may, or may not, be used on the streets this year as summer is almost over, and the city street crew has been very busy working on the above-mentioned projects. We recognize there are additional streets in need of work, and they will be repaired as time and money prevail.

We are ecstatic to report that the city will not raise water rates at this time. When construction on the new dam begins there may be an increase, but we will cross that path next year.

In relation to any sort of grants available for equipment, there are none. The available option would be to borrow money to purchase equipment.

Last, but definitely not least, is concern that with all the work our city crews have been doing somehow they will not be ready to plow. This is not so!

They are a wonderful and hard-working group that year after year gets the job done.

As always, your patience has been much appreciated.

— Barb Desch

City Council Member

Streets/Sidewalks/Lighting

Committee Chairperson