Council talks Route 116 west corridor

Route 116 looking west in Pontiac at the intersection with Old Route 66.

Pontiac residents can soon access a survey about the transportation network, primarily in the Route 116 west corridor.

Mayor Kelly Eckhoff says the improvements necessary there are based on the needs of residents.

“There are about 13 questions, maybe 15, to take about five minutes and it’s asking where you live, how frequently you travel to that service area, what modes of transportation you use to get out there,” explained Eckhoff.

The survey also asks residents how frequently they walk and bike anywhere in the community because those issues are important to the sidewalk and multi-use path network.

Some open-ended questions include how improvements in that area might impact your life.

“It’s really important to us to gather the data so we know when we are seeking funding services that we have a great need for this,” adds Eckhoff.

This starts the planning for possibly getting a sidewalk in the Route 116 west area through a grant.

Second Ward Alderwoman Sarah Hoerner encourages residents to fill out the survey as soon as they can. She hopes people fill it out honestly so there is good information to include in a grant proposal.

While the survey is live, the link has not yet been announced. It will be on the city’s social media and other places and should be open for a few weeks.

Also at Wednesday’s regular Pontiac City Council meeting, the consent agenda items were approved, including July 20 minutes, the payment of bills totaling $850,670.57, a parade permit for the PTHS Homecoming Parade and street closures for the PTHS Showdown and upcoming events.

An Infrastructure Committee report was presented by First Ward Alderman Frank Giovanini. The group met July 21 and discussed a façade grant for M&H and the consensus was to approve it. The second discussion item included capital improvements for 4-H Park Road and connections to a sidewalk. Mayor Eckhoff suggested a review of the capital improvement plan.

City leaders approved a façade grant at 415 West Madison Street. This is the owner’s third façade grant and second for this year. The total is $7,140. The owner wants to open the garage door and do façade and heading work on the building.

Membership in the North Central Illinois Council of Governments was authorized. Mayor Eckhoff has been in contact with a group of cities in a seven-county region that includes Livingston County.

“They work with the governments to help with grants,” noted Eckhoff.

The cost is $3300 a year which is a per-capita based fee. Eckhoff said they have helped Morris.

“It would be a good fit for us.”

City Administrator Jim Woolford said NCICG touts Illinois Mainstreet downtown grants.

“The state knows who they are so it can’t hurt us any,” observed Woolford.

Alderman Michael Barr sees this as an “added resource.” Jerry Causer asked if they have insights into the grants that are coming.

“They know what’s coming,” replied Eckhoff.

During council comments, Barb Howard expressed concerns over golf carts parked at the recent park concert which obstructed traffic on the street. She also said they were parked behind the bandshell. She also spoke of bicycles going through the crowd.

Third Ward Alderman Jerry Causer noted the bike path is getting rough out by the prison. Streets Superintendent Chris Brock said they crack sealed it about seven years ago.

Administrator Woolford gave a brief update on Centennial Plaza work. Crews are working on concrete and painting was moved back a week. Roof structure work continues as well. The ambulance substation continues to move forward with the fire department currently looking at the inside colors.