Thursday, September 19, 2024
On August 5, I attended the City of Peshtigo Council meeting. I attended to hear the fate of the old green truck parked across from City Hall. This has been the discussion at several Parks & Recreation meetings, with the end result the green truck to be moved. Some of the reasons that were given; cannot clean under the truck, you can see the extension cord from the truck to the power source in the planter, the Landmark is located behind the truck, insurance on the truck because Carl and I own the truck and it is parked on city property and someone might get hurt by or on the truck. Carl & I have purchased all the decorations for the truck accept Easter and Christmas lights. Carl & I are willing to give the truck to the city with the stipulation it has to remain in the same location. I have a great group of friends that have volunteered to assist with decorating for the holidays and planting flowers for summer beautification. I already have another municipality that would love to have that truck, if it needs to be moved.
Issues I do not understand is when we discussed allowing people from the downtown apartments to park in that same parking lot, insurance was never brought up and never was an issue. I was also told they want to move the truck to Badger Park and I cannot understand that as one of the concerns, is someone getting hurt.
Later in the meeting I was excited and sad at the same time that no one from city hall took the time to let me know the last two grants I applied for as Mayor, the Council recommended accepting them both for West Park Drive. A great deal of time is put into research and writing the grant, but if successful it saves tax dollars. Prior to sending in the application I asked council to approve Robert E. Lee Engineering firm to look over my applications and let us know what is good and where it can be improved. The cost of this service was $1,000 to receive $886,641.69. A well worth investment. The first grant was STP (Surface Transportation Program Grant) for $467,675.79 and the second TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program Grant) for $418,965.90 totaling $886,641.69 dollars. This was very exciting as our past City Engineer George Cowell tried for several years and after he retired I attempted a couple of years with no success. I was not able to attend the Streets & Drainage meeting when these were discussed on what type of work will be completed from the funding received. I applied for total replacement of West Park Drive, curbs and sidewalks and lighting as there are only lights at the end and corner of the road. I look forward to finally see the road improvements, as so many travel to and from school.
Sincerely, Cathi Malke
Peshtigo
