Median Upgrade Proposal Denied 3-2

No, seemed to be the message in the March 23 discussion on enhancing the medians in the 17J Link road project.

The Sidney City Council meeting included a line item for public input on upgrading the center median of the Link 17J project. The Link 17J will be undergoing major work from Old Post Road north to Highway 30/Illinois Street, then west to where work ended in the last work project. Council members have been discussing the option of upgrading the new medians with red-stamped brick in the new medians, or stamped with no dye. Stamped and red-colored with cost an extra $141,000 and annual maintenance. Imprinting the bricks only, would increase the cost of the loan $21,523.65.

The City is responsible for 20 percent of the project cost, almost $2.5 million.

In the March 23 meeting, several people were in attendance to voice their concern or objection to the proposal. Jaime Bitner said she doesn't feel it is worth the investment.

“We have so many things in this community that need attention,” she said.

Adam Price agreed with benefit of enhancing the medians, but questioned the fiscal impact.

“I agree this project is good to enhance the corridor,” Price said.

He added he doesn't agree with the $140,000 investment. He suggested developing pedestrian access to the swimming pool.

Sara Sinnett said the city needs to invest smartly.

“I think there's a host of things we could be doing. Is the cost worth the return? In my opinion no,” she said.

Kevin Howard, Cheyenne County Tourism Director, said he has spent more than 40 yours in tourism.

“Once you get them stopped, it is easier to get them into town,” he said.

He added that Sidney has the uniqueness of the entrance to the town and downtown separated by about two miles of farmland.

Vicky Loghry, who serves on Historic Preservation Board and owns Pedaler's Corner with her husband Doug, said the problem they have seen with the car club is visitors finding their way around town, even to the park.

“A lot of people don't know where the park is,” she said.

She encouraged the city to consider signs that can direct commuters to downtown destinations.

“We need some sort of way-finding thing,” she said.

Economic Development Director Melissa Norgard said she is “diligently seeking grants” to fund way-finding sings.

City Manager David Scott said he was contacted 19 regarding the proposal; 18 were not in favor of stamping or coloring the medians.

After public comment was taken, council members spoke their positions. Burke Radcliffe said the concept is nice, but it is not a need. He reminded the council and the public City's 20 percent of the project costs will be borrowed by a bond issue, including the $141,000 if approved. Vice-Mayor Bob Olsen said there will be medians regardless of the City's decision.

His concern was the cost of enhancing the project.

“I find that ($141,000) to be an exorbitant cost. I can't get past the cost,” he said.

Mayor Roger Gallaway said he has heard from twice as many people who are in favor of the stamped and colored bricks. He said the proposed upgrade of the new medians will add about 5 percent to the City's share of the cost.

“The reason we're talking about this now — now is when the State is doing the road,” Gallaway said.

He said his perspective is there is a lot of potential for developing the east side of Sidney.

The vote was called to continue with the median design as is, no stamping or coloring. The motion was approved 3-2 with council members Joe Arterburn, Radcliff, and Olsen voting in favor and Gallaway and Brad Sherman voting against.