Staff writer
During the public comment section of Peabody City Council meeting Monday, County Commissioner Randy Dallke discussed the future of Potter Road, which is a platted north-south street that — during the past century — has become the driveway of Rex Watson.
Further complicating the issue is that what is now 60th Road also was once known as an extension of Potter Road. That part of 60th fronts the home of the Brian McDowell family, and they too have confusion over the street name.
The city has abandoned Potter Road and returned the property to the Watsons, and 60th Road is county property. However, housekeeping issues need to be addressed with the county and the U.S. Postal Service to satisfy GPS systems and legal descriptions. Dallke said he would be willing to help move the process along.
Dallke also addressed the council as a private citizen and asked members not to reduce the speed limit at the corner of Second and Locust streets, as was discussed at a recent council meeting.
Dallke said the speed limit is appropriate and the area is heavily patrolled because of the park, swimming pool, and athletic complex. He told the council he was not in favor of creating a “speed trap” for people approaching the community from the south.
No action was taken on either issue, but City Administrator Shane Marler and Dallke agreed to find a solution to the Potter Road problem.
In other business, planning and zoning chairman Jim Rippe requested changes to the city’s free lots program. A requirement that applicants provide a Social Security number was removed and wording was altered to make requirements more concise.
Rippe also told the council the planning and zoning committee would like to see the city set aside money to offer homeowners matching funds for sidewalk repair or replacement.
Marler updated the council on the recent loss of a police department computer. Council members approved the purchase of a rebuilt server for $3,000, including warranties and migrating data from the old server.
Marler reminded the council the finance committee’s first budget meeting would be at 6 p.m. Thursday and the council’s first budget meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 15 in the city building
The next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 29.