Public hearing on school sidewalk project—residents raise concerns
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Verndale City Council held a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on the Safe Routes to School grant, followed by the regular meeting. Mayor Tara Erckenbrack was absent.
Public Hearing on Sidewalks
Ryan Odden of Moore Engineering reviewed the Safe Routes to School sidewalk project, funded by a $409,000 grant. The project aims to avoid utilities and trees, staying within budget. The city committed $60,000 for engineering costs. Some residents raised concerns about property taxes, snow removal responsibilities, and the necessity of sidewalks, especially the cost for senior citizens on fixed incomes. The project will also include interactive speed signs.
The council held the public hearing to gather community input before moving forward.
Ray South questioned whether taxpayers would be responsible for any extra costs beyond the grant. The council has not made any decisions on additional assessments.
Former council member Ardith Carr clarified that the project would stop when grant funds run out, with no additional tax dollars allocated.
Naomi Moyer called the school district and found that over 300 students are open-enrolled. She questioned how many actually walk to school and how many incidents have occurred due to a lack of sidewalks. She also asked how many senior citizens would now be responsible for snow removal?...