Aledo donates to fireworks

Dennis Litwiler, Aledo Fire Protection District chief, approached the Aledo City Council to request an annual donation for July 4 fireworks. The council agreed to its typical donation of $3,000. "We do appreciate the city's help," said Litwiler. He said the fire department spends right around $7,000 a year for the show. "We do have it at the fairgrounds. It works real well there," he said.

The council heard from Mike McCaw of Missman, Stanley & Associates of Rock Island about the summer roadwork projects. He and Steve Moller, public works director, toured areas suggested by city alderman for road upgrades. "Paint marks were placed on all the streets," he said, although the money may not be available for all the projects to be completed. "Selected streets are greater than can be supported." He pointed out that all four quadrants within the city will be having some roadwork done.

One stickler for the work is intersections, according to McCaw, which need to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines regarding proper slope and grade of sidewalk to street.

The city plans to use both motor fuel tax funds ($281,000) and Tax Increment Financing funds ($138,300) to finance this summer's street program. Work on the projects will be done by bids and intergovernmental contracts with the Mercer County Highway Department.

Alderman Terry Bewley asked the engineer why so much hot mix was recommended, since it is twice as costly as seal and chip.

"We try to use HMA on more traveled streets," said McCaw.