CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Saunders Mound Connection to SLT Recreation Path
Public Works staff recently partnered with the Corps of Engineers to plan the construction of a recreational path from the existing SLT path to Saunders Mound near Clinton Lake. The work (see photos) is being funded by a grant received by the Corps of Engineers.
Crack Sealing Update
The City’s contracted crack seal program is nearly completed. The contractor placed over 375,000 lbs of material on approximately 93 miles of city streets. The streets selected were predominantly residential with a PCI greater than 60. Additionally, the Street division is following up sealing all repairs they made this summer and are working on crack sealing main thoroughfares (collectors and arterials). See the attached photos of crews completing some of the work.
Staff Attends National Recreation and Park Congress
Parks & Recreation Director Fred DeVictor recently attended the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) annual conference and exposition. Fred visited numerous skate park exhibits and received information that will be valuable as we design a “bowl” for the skate park expansion. Notable conference sessions focused on Land and Water Conservation Fund grants, pricing policies, dog park design standards, marketing and promotion of programs, special event organization, and environmental stewardship. A session on transportation and healthy living focused on planning approaches that promote physical activity, including bicycle and pedestrian components of comprehensive plans.
Street Division Holds Annual Snow Practice Event
On November 7th the Street Division held their annual snow practice event (see photos). The staff checked and serviced all the equipment (trucks, plows, spreaders, loaders) and ran each route. We have 1000 tons of sand, 2000 tons of salt and 2700 tons of “mix” (sand and salt) and our storage capacity is completely stocked. Attached are copies of the snow plan, spreading routes, and plow routes. In general, Priority 1 routes include highways, arterials, major collectors, and access to the hospital and airport. Priority 2 routes include collectors and streets around schools. Priority 3 routes include residential streets.
Parks & Recreation Kids Day Off Event
The Kids Day Off program provides children 5-12 years of age an opportunity to go on field trips, participate in arts & crafts, and play a variety of group games at Holcom Park Recreation Center while being out of school for conferences, breaks or holidays. This program started in 2003 and continues to grow. The attached photos are of the 36 participants from the November 9th and 10th program playing Prison Ball, Arts & Crafts, basketball and waiting in the lobby to go on field trip.