On April 21, Douglas County Commissioners and Alexandria City Council members clearly showed the benefit of meeting together as full bodies. They gathered at the Douglas County Administration building and discussed items that will impact most people who live in and visit the area. Four high profile construction projects are now better understood. The city updated the group on the planned changes to Highway 29 from 8th Avenue downtown Alexandria to 50th Avenue. Commissioners Jerry Rapp and Tim Kalina shared concerns over the proposed median that will prevent vehicles from turning left into certain businesses. City officials said they are continuing discussions with impacted businesses and the state before the final project details are agreed upon which must happen by June 22.
County Engineer Tim Erickson updated the group on a shared use path which will be built this summer on County State Aid Highway 46 between CSAH 82 and Highway 29. Bicyclists and pedestrians will share the path which will go past Discovery School. He said bids will be opened in May and work will be done this fall.
Erickson also updated the elected officials on the bridge upgrade on Highway 29 between Lakes Geneva and Le Homme Dieu. This bridge will replace the box culvert currently in place and allow larger boats to safely access both lakes. Erickson said his staff is working diligently to get final plans completed by the end of May but if that can’t be accomplished, the bridge may not be constructed until 2027 which will still allow the county to meet the deadline of spending funds, secured by state legislator Mary Franson, by end of that year.
Emergency Manager Julie Anderson provided information on two locations for severe weather sheltering. One is a city building, the other a county building. Details are still being finalized, but the Primewest Health Runestone Community Center will be available 24/7 during tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service. Anderson will reach out to nearby mobile home parks, RV Parks, campgrounds and resorts to let them know of this option along with Rainbow Rider, so it has a location for passengers during severe weather. The county will make interior hallways near the Douglas County Library available 24/7 during tornado warnings. People living in apartments above stores in downtown Alexandria will be notified of this option. Residents and visitors nearby, unable to find adequate shelter, are also welcome.
Alexandria Fire Chief Jeff Karrow presented information on the pros and cons of a Fire District in the county. After extensive discussion, city councilman Bill Franzen said, “This conversation is excellent. We can all find, when we talk to other departments around the area, we are learning. I want to be clear, this isn’t us pressuring, this is more about a conversation. I understand it’s a brotherhood, it’s very territorial and they want to keep their grounds. Knowledge is key with this. Let’s keep going down this path.”
The problem of unleashed dogs in county and city parks generated a good deal of discussion and a call for action. County Board Chair Shane Schmidt shared a call he had with a person who was just about wiped out on their bike by a dog running loose in Brophy Park. Park Superintendent Brad Bonk said all dogs are supposed to be on a leash at all times. He said they’ve tried using a bullhorn to shame offenders into compliance, but it hasn’t worked. Schmidt said we need to put some teeth into our leash requirement.
Land and Resource Management will be hiring a compliance officer whose job will be to take action against offenders of, not only the leash requirement, but other requirements put in place through Land and Resource Management permits.
No action was taken on any of the items discussed.