Caledonia Argus

City authorizes walkway study

Posted: 4/23/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

Mayor Robert Burns told city council members at Monday eveningís meeting that there is probably little chance that the speed limit could be lowered on the highway once the new school is completed. Burns and several others met with MnDOT officials last week to discuss safety concerns that are coming up because of the location of the school across Highway 44/76.

Burns said that he believes there is a chance that MnDOT will be willing to create a school zone and put up a sign and flashing lights to reduce the speed limit twice a day on days school is in session.

One of the other subjects that has been brought up in regard to the new school site is the development of pedestrian walkways. Burns said that MnDOT would consider approving walkways on the east side of the highway, but not without an engineered plan. At its meeting Monday evening, the city council voted to hire Davy Engineering to do a preliminary study.

The first phase of the walkway would be from Main Street to Foltz Drive, but Burns said that he would eventually like to see a walkway from Old Highway Drive to the North Park.

The study will take about two weeks.

City, school board will present proposal

The council also approved a final proposal Monday evening that it will present jointly with representatives of the school board to Ma Cal Developers regarding a second access road to the new school. It is hoped that reaching a consensus on the agreement will result in the completion of Esch Drive. Currently, the only route to the school in on Gjere Avenue from West Main street. At its joint meeting, the school board agreed to make improvements to Gjere Avenue, upgrading the road from a five-ton road to a nine-ton road, adding a walkway, and installing curb and gutter. The cost of the upgrade is expected to be about $25,000. Once the improvements are complete, the street will be dedicated back to the city and the city will maintain it.

City employees have bargaining unit

The city council received notice at its meeting Monday evening that the city employees now have their own employee association. The association is a bargaining unit similar to a union which will negotiate with the city on wages and benefits. The association includes all non-essential, non-supervisory employees. City Clerk Robert Nelson and Police Chief Duane St. Mary are not members of the association, and the police officers have their own association.

Sidewalks an issue for the handicapped

About eight employees of Woodland Industries appeared before the council to discuss sidewalks leading to the building. Danielle Burg of People First, an advocate for the handicapped, told the council that many of the clients take Washington Street to Woodland Industries. Those who are in wheelchairs must use the street rather than the sidewalks because there are steps on the sidewalks on both sides of the road. This creates a safety concern, she told the council.

There are also areas where the sidewalks are in disrepair. Larry Myhre, who works at Woodland and is in a wheelchair, told the council, ìYou guys should do something.î

Another employee, Joe Schulte, who is also in a wheelchair, used a computer to speak for him and told the council that the ìSidewalks are in shambles.î

City clerk Robert Nelson noted that the differences in elevation might make it difficult to allow for wheelchair access.

Mayor Burns said that the city will look into repairing the sidewalks along West Washington Street.

In other news from Mondayís city council meeting, the council:

ï agreed that it would not raise prices this summer for swimming lessons or pool admission;

ï approved a quote for the resurfacing of the tennis court from B&D Sealcoating for $375;

ïheard a presentation on the Houston County Public Transit bus by Elaine McGarry. As of March 31, 2,708 rides have been given compared to 855 for the same period in 2001.

In response to a question from council member Randi Vick, Mcgarry explained that the bus makes a trip to Valley View Mall in La Crosse once a week, plus the first Saturday of the month. The service is only allowed one stop because it is competing with a private transit company. For that reason, she said, the bus cannot take clients to medical appointments. They can take a bus from the mall, however.

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