Mayor Aaron Montz and City Council look to have a damaged bridge fixed before winter.
The bridge on Riverside Drive, in front of the F.O.E., has a hole in it. Montz said while it is safe for vehicles to drive on, it could pose a danger to pedestrians.
Montz said the city needs to act quickly to repair the bridge because the hole could worsen in winter weather. The bridge repair would cost about $50,000, according to estimates Montz has received from city engineer Curtis Eagle, who has already spoken to three companies about the repair.
"There is definitely a concern there, for safety, especially since we at the city know about it," Montz said. "It's really something we shouldn't say 'We'll wait until next spring, when the asphalt companies open.' It's something that really shouldn't wait that long until that long. It will only get worse; we need to get it taken care of for everyone's safety."
A large metal plate with an orange barrel on top of it covers the hole right now.
The bridge project will be the main topic of discussion at the next council meeting Oct. 15, when an ordinance on the bridge is expected to be addressed.
An inspection of the Rebecca Street bridge is planned in November.
"The bridge is definitely at the end of its lifespan," Montz said. "It's bad. It's really bad."This bridge will not be repaired immediately because it would cost about $300,000 to replace, which Montz said is not affordable at this time.
The bridge is likely to have a reduced load limit next year. And the city will look at replacing the bridge the following year.
In other discussion at the meeting, Councilman Jim Roberts voiced strong displeasure with the new intersection at Greenfield and East Market streets.
"I don't know what I was expecting, but I am vastly disappointed with what we wound up with," Roberts said. "It's ugly signage, it's ugly paint on the street and it's a more dangerous crossing I think."
Councilmen Tyler Shuff and Mark Hayes echoed Roberts' sentiments. Shuff said he has received complaints from people who think the intersection is not safe.
"Visually, the signage is just clutter," Hayes said.
Councilman Rich Cline said he did not think the new intersection was that bad. And Council President Paul Elchert said that he does not think it was that bad of a project, but he does think there is some confusion with the new directions.
In other news, Dave Smith of Brewer-Garrett spoke to the council about an energy conservation project.
A finance committee meeting was held prior to the council meeting Monday night. The main topic of discussion was pending legislation on Internet cafes.
