Sidewalk project to start in June
The Charleston City Council unanimously approved the purchase of property located along Reynolds Drive Tuesday.
The property, which will be used for the construction of a sidewalk extending from Lincoln Family Garden Restaurant to Polk Avenue, is estimated to cost the city $4,500. The project will start in June.
Smith said the construction along Reynolds will not block the street for those who live on it.
Mayor John Inyart said he has had many requests for a sidewalk on Reynolds, and now that request will be answered.
The council accepted the lowest bid, $9,900, for removal of the tree on McKinley Avenue. The removal, which is necessary for the placement of the water pipes for the new water treatment plant, will begin next week-no roads will be closed as a result.
Councilmen Larry Rennels said new greenery will be planted after the water pipes are put in.
The city council also passed a motion to close various streets during the St. Charles Borromeo Community Summer Start-Up Festival 5-K Race on June 12. The streets will only be closed during the time the runners are passing through.
City council accepted the lowest bid, $25,000, for the demolition of the old water treatment plant-a surprisingly low price, Inyart said The demolition will begin in early June and should be done by mid-September.
Council member Jeff Lahr said nothing approved at the meeting will come as a surprise to those in the community.
“City Manager (Scott Smith) does a great job of keeping people well informed,” Lahr said.
All four council members-Rennels, Lahr, Jim Dunn, and Jeff Newell-were in attendance for the meeting along with Smith, City Attorney Brian Bower, and Deputy Clerk Becky Fasig. Inyart was not present.
Tommy Nierman, a junior business management major and student senator at Eastern, updated the city council on the activities on campus. Neirman informed the council about the beginning of summer sessions and the number of students around the campus.
The next meeting will take place Tuesday, June 1, at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Abby Allgire can be reached at 581-7942 or alallgire@eiu.edu
Sidewalk project to start in June
Council member Jeff Lahr (left) watches city manager Scott Smith (center) discuss the agenda with council member Larry Rennels (right) before the meeting Tuesday. Abby Allgire/The Daily Eastern News
