Council may lower speed limit on new bridge, road

RANDOLPH — Randolph’s floodplain project continues with the City Council authorizing funding at its regular meeting last week.

Interim financing with First State Bank was authorized for the floodplain project. Several special city council meetings – held mostly in executive session – have taken place over the past month to discuss offers made to property owners affected by the project.

Craig Bartels of the Cedar County Commissioners talked with the council about the speed on Sholes Road – near the newly constructed bridge – as part of the first phase of the floodplain project. Bartels said speed affects the wear-and-tear of the road and thus the maintenance of it.

Council members Dennis Bazata and Brandon Backhaus suggested reducing the speed from 35 mph to 25.

The Council will act on this item at its August meeting.

The City Council also heard news about some grant funding awarded to the city for projects including up to $13,000 from Lower Elkhorn Natural Resources District for new park equipment. This is the second year the city has received these grant funds, said City Administrator Ben Benton.

The city also received $3,000 from Siouxland Community Foundation to be used for new pool furniture, as well as water volleyball and water basketball equipment. The city pool served more than 1,000 swimmers in June.

A grant application has been submitted to the Scotts Field Refurbishment Program for $50,000 to renovate the city’s ball fields. The city has not yet heard if the grant will be awarded, Benton said.

City Clerk Josh Rayford is also pursuing a matching fund grant to develop walking trails at the park.

The City Council heard an update on annual street repair and a repair of the sewer clarifier drain. The storm water infrastructure is also being studied by city staff and will be mapped.

At its last meeting, the Council also:

• Approved a liquor license for Jerry’s Hilltop for the Brunssen wedding reception on Aug. 21.

• Approved a floodplain development permit for 505 N. Bridge St., for the construction of a horse shelter.

• Convened as the Community Development Agency to recover revenue generated annually from the city’s levy. The city convenes this way annually to claim about $12,000 in revenue.

• Approved AMGL Service of Grand Island as a vendor for annual budget preparation and city audit.

• Renewed their agreement with the League Association of Risk Management which provides coverage and risk management services to the city.

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