Our November 2024 Newsletter was all about the Bannock Street Reconstruction project. We were so excited that it would be taking place in 2025, which, of course, did not happen. We do have good news this November 2025 – the project went out to bid in October, and it appears that we have a good bid, within our budget. The city received five bids, four from companies in the Boise area and one from Idaho Falls, which ranged from the low of $4,899,899 to a high of $8,716,172.90. The low bid was from Moreno & Nelson Construction Corp. of Eagle, Idaho. Work will start next year on the project. We will keep the public informed as the construction date gets closer.

Speaking of streets, we are coming to that time of year when snow removal may be starting on our city streets. The crew cannot remove the snow in front of homes where vehicles are parked. It is helpful in the winter if you can find a place to park other than on the street. The crew likes to start clearing snow early in the morning so the roads can be clean for the school buses to make their routes. Also, regarding snow removal, we know that it is hard sometimes to find a place to put the snow. Please do not push or blow snow into the street. If the road has already been plowed, the plow may not return to clear what has been pushed into the road. Additionally, snow pushed into the street may harden and leave ridges.

Trees growing on your private property that hang over the street are the property owner’s responsibility. Trees must be trimmed to within 12 feet of the roadway.  In the case of trees with branches over a sidewalk, they should be trimmed to within 7½ feet of the sidewalk or parkway. Hedges and shrubbery must also be trimmed so they do not extend into the sidewalk.

If you have any questions about snow removal or tree trimming, feel free to call Tyler Webster, Superintendent of Public Works, at 816-344-4494.

Early this summer, Mayor Hawkins had repair work completed on the MVI ditch that runs along her property on 500 West. Because of rocks lining the ditch, often vehicles would run over the rocks and knock them into the ditch. Last summer a large rock washed into the culvert, causing the water to be shut off for those using it downstream. It was suggested to the mayor to have the city crew repair the ditch, which consisted of lengthening the culvert and elongating the turn. However, she chose to pay for the repair herself by hiring a private company to do the work. It has recently come to her attention that it is the belief of some residents that the city crew repaired the ditch. If you would like further information regarding this incident, the mayor will be happy to provide the name of the company that completed the work.

With Thanksgiving this month, take time to express your gratitude to someone who has made a positive impact in your life. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve you as your mayor and city council. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.