The primary topic of discussion was the 2025 Street Improvement project, which involves substantial modifications to the roadway design aimed at improving drainage and reducing stormwater runoff. A notable change is the reduction in road width from 36 feet to 32 feet between curb faces on several streets, including Sunnyside, Fairview, Centennial Drive, Centennial Court, and Sunnyside Circle. This adjustment is intended to lower long-term maintenance costs and address concerns about speeding and stop sign compliance. The narrower roads are expected to enhance water infiltration and encourage drivers to reduce their speed, contributing to improved safety.

Additional project components include reconfiguring intersections to clarify right-of-way and entrance points. A specific focus was placed on the intersection of Centennial Drive and Fairview Lane, where current right-of-way delineation is ambiguous. Council members emphasized the importance of community engagement, with plans to continue outreach to property owners to gather feedback and address their concerns. The project aims to maintain public safety and the integrity of neighborhood infrastructure, with council members keen to ensure responsiveness to resident input throughout the planning process.

The council also explored drainage improvements, particularly in cul-de-sacs, where the design includes an island of turf with a catch basin to enhance drainage flow. By pitching the road toward the center, the design aims to prevent water collection along the curb line, which has led to pavement deterioration in other areas. The proposal includes increasing the number of catch basins and adding storm sewer infrastructure to facilitate quicker runoff. The scope of the project also encompasses replacing a 6-inch water main with a 12-inch ductile iron pipe on Sunnyside Drive and lining an 8-inch sanitary sewer under a separate contract.

The removal of 47 trees, including Ash trees, was discussed, with plans to mark them for property owner awareness. The city intends to restore disturbed areas with topsoil and is considering a future tree planting contract. Funding for the project was another topic, as the estimated cost has risen from a target of $3 million to approximately $3.8 million, including contingencies and indirect costs. The council acknowledged the importance of coordinating with the finance director to manage the budget effectively, with the possibility of deferring parts of the project to future years if necessary.

Incorporating bike lanes into the project was another significant topic. The 2019 bike and pedestrian plan outlines an on-street bikeway along Sunnyside and east on Centennial Drive to Highway 3. However, challenges were identified, including the need to navigate existing road widths and intersecting driveways. The council recognized the necessity of aligning bike lanes through proposed bump-outs, which could pose safety concerns where bikes and vehicles might interact. The emphasis was on creating a cohesive bike lane network rather than piecemeal solutions.

The intersection of Fairview and Sunnyside was highlighted as an area requiring traffic control improvements. Proposed changes include implementing a stop condition for Fairview to clarify right-of-way rules. Public signage and communication strategies are under consideration to inform drivers of these changes effectively. The council expressed appreciation for the thorough explanations provided during the discussion.

In addition to infrastructure projects, the council discussed the financial aspects of the city’s sewer and water management systems. Specific utility funds, such as the trunk water fund, are designated for larger mains, with potential reimbursement to developers who oversize public mains. The council considered the possibility of reducing the scope of a project if the engineer’s estimate exceeds the budget before bidding. A council member stressed the importance of not delaying essential projects, citing the need for consistent funding and action to maintain community standards.