City to tackle potholes in March, April

By DUANE NOLLEN

OSKALOOSA — Now that the winter’s snow and ice has melted away, the city of Oskaloosa is preparing to deal with its aftermath - potholes in the streets, and branches and other brush on the ground.

City officials discussed options to deal with potholes at the city council meeting Monday evening.

Oskaloosa City Manager Michael Schrock Jr. said he’d like to have the limbs and brush picked up by May 8 — in time for William Penn University’s graduation ceremonies. On the issue of potholes, “we’re going to address,” he said.

In a potholes strategy memo, Oskaloosa Public Works Director Akhilesh Pal said that potholes will be filled in on a full-time basis in the next two to three weeks during March and April. Pal said pothole repairs will be done on a priority basis.

Pal outlined three ways to prioritize street repairs: on the basis of complaints, a review of streets by city staff and by quadrants.

The streets crew conducted a survey and feels that the following roads need immediate patching for potholes: Third Avenue East (between South Market Street and South 17th Street), South Seventh Street (between A Avenue East and 15th Avenue East), South 11th Street (between A Avenue East and 17th Ave. East), 17th Avenue East (between South 11th Street and Highway 23 South), North Third Street (between A Avenue East and East Glendale Road), South H Street (between Sixth Avenue West and 11th Avenue West), and High Avenue West (between D Street and South L Street) and the Penn Central Mall main entrance.

He said the southeast quadrant has priority, followed by the southwest, northeast and northwest quadrants.

Pal said he has four of the six city street crewmen on hand to do work.

Schrock said that staffing right now is a challenge since many of the workers are long-time employees who have vacation time booked up and are now taking some.

“It’s tough right now,” he said.

However, other city staff, such as waste water workers, are helping out, he said.

Another issue to consider is the amount of money left in the budget for repairs.

“We’re looking at all the options,” he said.

“Let’s get the roads patched,” Council member Tom Walling said. He said branches can be picked up while crews are waiting for hot-mix asphalt.

Schrock said city officials can discuss options at committee meetings to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Herald Editor Duane Nollen can be reached by email at oskynews@oskyherald.com

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