Scranton city council splits on dust control in front of mayor’s home

~courtesy of The Scranton Journal

The Scranton city council split the vote and turned down the opportunity to contract for dust control on Moulton Street. The decision was made at a special meeting held on Wednesday afternoon, April 27.

Moulton St is a gravel road, running south of Pond Park in the southwestern part of the city. Mayor Randy Winkelman lives on that street. Letters were received from Kim Winkelman and Dawn Rudolph related to the Moulton St dust control issue.

The minutes state a lengthy discussion was held on truck routes, dust control and possible solutions to the truck traffic and dust on that stretch of roadway.

Ethel Subbert made a motion to consider dust control treatment for Moulton St, seconded by Connie Scrivner. The motion failed with Julie McAleer and Scrivner voting in favor while Subbert, Marilyn Jacobson and Cole Gustoff (who participated via speaker phone) were against the matter.

The council unanimously approved adding Sunday sales to the Old Lincoln Highway 30 Bar but split again on expanded outdoor service area for the business. The firm must obtain proper dram shop coverage. Scrivner cast the dissenting vote on the expansion.

At the regular council meeting April 12, Cail Calder was granted a renewal of his beekeepers license for Bee Mindful with Subbert casting a nay vote. Several conditions were specified: proof of insurance, written notice to neighbors on the presence of bees and payment of license fees. The license expiration date is June 30, 2017.

Leesa Squibb reviewed the upcoming Scranton Kids Fishing day on June 4 with the council. The council approved sponsorship and insurance coverage for the event.

Bill Scrivner gave the monthly library report mentioning increased circulation and programming. Dawn Rudolph reported on the Community Center, discussing programs, table and chair rentals, signs, landscaping, project list and building needs.

Chad Kirk updated the council on public works. He highlighted the annual water report, clear well cleaning, tower cleaning, well airline repairs, street work bids and equipment maintenance issues.

During open forum, Joyce Winkelman addressed the Council on concerns of recent events relating to public safety. Larry Frazier advised the Council of loud noises heard recently in the early morning hours. He was unable to trace the location or cause of the sound.

Rudolph updated the council on the Freedom Rock that will be located at the Greene County Fairgrounds. It will be painted by Bubba Sorenson, with fresh paint applied every five to six years. The group is seeking volunteers interested in helping with the fundraising for the patriotic rock.

The council approved the bid from Mosquito Control of Iowa for services this year at the rate of $2,165; credit agreement with Landus Cooperative for the city charge account; purchasing city hall signage for $500 from Action Graphics in Jefferson and $80 for artwork by McLaughlin International, and signed a contract with Region XI COG for local planning and administrative assistance.

A budget amendment public hearing was scheduled for May 10 at 6 p.m. Non-action items included committee updates, park project, spring cleanup and sesquicentennial planning.

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