Truck drivers, tractor drivers, and equipment operators are warned – do not use 6th street to exit Hancock. This road is not a designated truck road and is posted with signs stating no trucks. The complaints about trucks on the road come to the Hancock City Council every year and so does discussion at council meetings as to how to prevent this.
At the September 14 meeting, the council again had a resident attend to voice concerns. She stated that she has children who like to ride bike or roller blade on the road but the trucks make it unsafe. She shared videos with City Clerk Jodi Bedel who forwarded them to the Sheriff’s office.
One option the city could take is to abate the road. This would mean totally blocking off the exit at the end of 6th Street. However, there are people in automobiles or pickups who use the street to enter or exit the community. The council did not like to use this option.
The Sheriff’s Office is monitoring the road but can not be there 24 hours a day. It was noted that during harvest time, there may be operators who are new to the area and not aware of the restrictions. Residents should write down the name of the company on the truck and then contact them to explain what has happened. Another concern is that the turn at the corner of 6th Street and Atlantic is difficult for trucks to navigate so may cause them to use the easier route.
The council members decided to allow time to talk to operators and get them to be aware of the situation before making any drastic decisions.
“We know it is a problem,” stated councilman Brady Koehl, “I wish there was a quick, easy fix.”
Several resolutions were approved at the meeting dealing with future road projects. The road work would be on nearly every street south of the railroad tracks. It would also include the road around the ball park, Belle Street and 7th Street out to Buddies.
Councilman Jeff Kisgen asked if there would be a time to question some of the work that is being proposed. He was told that there will be a few public meetings where questions can be answered. The road work proposal is the result of a tour of the town and recommendations by the street committee.
Kisgen asked about the different types of work on roads. Some are for mill and overlay, some widened, some have sub-grade correction work and some are just graveled. He wondered if it would be necessary to do curb and gutter work on the road out to Buddies when there are ditches there.
“It seems backwards to put a curb on top of a ditch,” Kisgen stated.
He added that there are things he does not agree with and he would like to have an opportunity to discuss these. The council approved a resolution to conduct a feasibility study and then send out letters to property owners affected by the work. A public hearing will be held on October 5 at 7 p.m. to explain the project and allow people to ask questions. Another hearing is held once the bidding process begins.
The preliminary tax levy was set at a 7.5% increase which could be changed once the final budget is determined. In previous years, the city has had a 6% increase but Bedel is expecting some additional budget expense due to a larger bond payment and insurance cost increase. The final levy will be determined in December after the final budget is set and approved.
The Truth in Taxation Hearing is set for December 14, prior to the December Council meeting. This will be a time for citizens to ask about the proposed taxes sent to them.
