Wautoma Police Chief Paul Mott reported to the Wautoma Common Council on March 14th at City Hall, that the department is working to control speeding in the city and recorded 127 traffic stops in February compared to 23 last year. Chief Mott said they are patrolling the highway and Division St. traffic diligently to provide for safer travel.
Chief Mott also said the crosswalk flags downtown have been well received, and is waiting to see if the state will fund flashing amber lights. He also said speed limit signs were installed on Mt. Morris and Townline Rd. Chief Mott addressed the council on the idea of having a lottery for city residents to archery hunt on the 116 acres of the old city landfill. He would like to see the council address the possibility as it would be great for city residents. Guidelines would be set up and the lottery would be held each year.
City Administrator, Tommy Bohler, reported that preparation is underway for the April 5th election to be held from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. He also said he attended a county meeting on broadband services in the area. He says this is an important issue to get our rural area a more affordable, fast and reliable internet service. Often times cities or villages get the higher speed internet and rural areas are left out.
Bohler also expressed concern with the present Waste Management trash pickup in the city as it has had many issues, including late pickup, streets missed, etc,. just a few that Bohler noted. He is presently searching for other options.
The Alliant Solar Panel Project for the Wautoma Airport is expected to be in by May or June and this is good news for the city to begin receiving funds. He also said that Administrative Executive, Shelley Calder and Public Works Director, Aaron Spees were responsible for carrying out the well-abandonments in the city and the DNR was satisfied with the results as there were 82 and presently only one is outstanding.
Mayor John Nixon reported the former nursing home on Waupaca St. has been turned over to the Cajun Navy – a nonprofit out of Louisiana. Mayor Nixon suggested a four way stop put in at Townline and Division Streets and would like to see a traffic study on that intersection. He noted some vehicles on Division St. have been clocked at 50 mph in a 25 mph zone. Mayor Nixon would also like to have the council consider ATV routes throughout the entire city.
In other business, the council approved Operator’s License applications for Shayne M. Raatz and Jeanene M. Roberts for Casey’s General Store.
The next regular meeting of the Wautoma Common Council will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 11th at Wautoma City Hall.
