MENDOTA – Some of Mendota’s streets and alleys will get a makeover this year, as well as one of the water towers, it was learned at the Mendota City Council meeting on May 21.

Alderman Jim Fitzpatrick reported that the city will seek bids to repaint the water tower near the Mendota Civic Center and also will seek bids for the summer street maintenance program.

The streets scheduled to be redone this year are: 19^th Street from Stroble Avenue to Augustine Avenue; Wisconsin Avenue from Meriden Street to Chicago Street; Lakewood Drive from 13^th Avenue to 14^th Avenue; Lakewood Drive from Park Avenue to 14^th Avenue; 14^th Avenue from Meriden Street to Lakewood Drive; Meadowview Drive from Washington Street to Jefferson Street; Fifth Avenue from Eighth Street to 10^th Street; Fifth Avenue from Fourth Street to Fifth Street; and 10^th Avenue from Third Street to Fifth Street.

Alleys on the repair list include Wisconsin Avenue to Michigan Avenue north of Jefferson Street; Wisconsin Avenue to Michigan Avenue north of Monroe Street; Fifth Street to Sixth Street west of Eighth Avenue; and 11^th Street to U.S. 34 west of First Avenue.

In other business from Fitzpatrick’s report, the council approved hiring Mark Aska to a seasonal part-time position in the Public Works Department and approved two requests from the Mendota Elks Lodge to use Veterans Park – one on Thursday, June 14 at 7 p.m. for a Flag Day ceremony and the other on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5-7 p.m. for a MIA/POW ceremony.

Fitzpatrick added that there will be discussion on the city’s garbage pickup at a June meeting, with the fee for consumers to increase, and also that the city’s sewer rate will increase in August.

In action from alderman Randy Morris’s report, the council approved a Class G liquor license for Waterfalls.

Alderman John Pierson expressed his concern about being able to protect Mendota’s schools from a shooting that has become all too frequent in this country. He said that he is aware that the police department has done training in the schools and that the schools have probably conducted their own training, but he questioned if that cures a potential problem. Pierson added that he would like to see more community involvement in this matter. “I think we need to think about it more,” said Pierson. “Doing nothing is not a good idea.”

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business, Mendota resident Gary Barrera, who resides on Char-Lu Drive on the west side, addressed the council with questions and concerns about the proposed construction of a 40-unit housing development on vacant property at the southwest corner of U.S. 34 and Plaza Drive. Bear Development LLC of Kenosha, Wis., would like to construct a three-story rental property at that location. Eight of the units would be for low- to moderate-income families, with first priority given to veterans.

Alderman Bill Hunt, who served as mayor pro-tem, informed the council that Bear Development did not receive federal tax credits it had been seeking for the project, so the project has been put on hold. If and when the company does obtain everything necessary to launch the project, Hunt said it is likely the city would hold a public hearing so citizens can express their views.

“We want to make the right decisions,” said Hunt. “We’ve done our homework and due diligence, and feel this a viable project for the community. The company has a track record of doing the right thing.”

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m.