Batavia board split on bridge discussion
The issue of a second bridge in Batavia is so contentious that city council members couldn't even agree what a committee would be discussing last week.
Alderman Alan Wolff, who strongly supports a second bridge in town, suggested putting a deadline on when the council should make a decision.
"I think it's very important that we not waste any more time," he said.
He later made a motion that the board adopt a policy statement saying the council "intends to study the location of a second bridge for planning purposes."
It was voted down 10-4, with opponents saying they didn't want to make any formal statements yet.
City staff had requested the formation of a citizens committee to weigh the pros and cons of different bridge locations. Not having a site in place is impeding downtown redevelopment, they said.
"There needs to be the discussion now, and we need to set aside some right-of-ways," said city administrator Bill McGrath.
Aldermens' views ran the gamut from an immediate council decision on the need for a bridge to a skepticism that one will ever be needed.
The disagreement underscored Mayor Jeff Schielke's request at the beginning of the meeting that the council work toward consensus on the issue.
He said he felt one of the main reasons a referendum request was voted down in 2000 was the dissent on the council -- it voted to approve the issue by an 8-to-6 vote.
"That, right away, sent a message," he said. "I think one lesson of history is we need a pretty strong consensus."
Schielke said he wanted residents to know that no decision has been made yet.
"This is extremely preliminary and there is still a long way to go," he said. "This may take some time. It may be a multi-year project spanning several city councils."
The proposal was sent to the city council's Community Development Committee, which will discuss it at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
Kids running club:ŒThe Batavia Accelerators Club, for children ages 6 to 17, started its fall season last week, and still has openings.
The group meets from 5 to 6:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Fabyan Windmill on Route 25 in Geneva. The group focuses on family values and teamwork and competes in cross-country meets in the fall.
The cost is $10 plus an Amateur Athletic Union or a USA Track and Field membership. For more information, visit www.bataviaparks.org or call Coach Scott Kurth at (630) 669-5808.
Jeep Night:ŒThe Batavia Jaycees' Cruise Night this Friday will be "Jeep Night."
There will be prizes, giveaways and music. Trophies will be awarded.
The event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Batavia Riverwalk on Houston Street between Island and River streets.