Construction on the median at the east end of town is complete, so students wishing to make a quick trip to McDonald’s or tourists wanting to cross the highway can do so much more safely.
While constructing that portion of the project, the contractor was also working in the alleyways north of Main Street, leveling roadbeds and pouring concrete. The result is smooth, easy-to-travel alleys that are certainly more attractive. Beech to Market is completed, with work on the Market to Chestnut section almost finished. Preliminary work has begun on the Beech to Ash and Chestnut to Elm sections. (Just as an aside, as I was driving the alley behind the county recorder’s office, I discovered there is an official ballot box near Elm where this fall’s ballots can be deposited – a serendipitous discovery as I was checking out the construction!)
Median work on Main now moves west with construction barriers currently up in two blocks to speed the process and allow more efficient use of contractor crews. I certainly don’t need to tell anyone who has traveled Main Street recently that there is congestion, and navigating around the construction area can elevate one’s blood pressure; road construction is never fun!
Safety is a priority, and additional police are on patrol, but each of us can do our part by being especially alert while in the area. That said, I do encourage you all to shop downtown. Parking is available, and our local merchants are open and ready for business.
We will all get to enjoy the benefits that the completed project brings, but right now, the pain of the process is falling squarely on the shoulders of small-business owners, and they need our continuing support.
Construction updates are available on the city’s website, cityofcortez.com, along with contact information if you have questions. Construction is slated to be finished by the end of October, so let’s all hang in there.
The next Open House + Picnic to gather community input for the park planned for the old high school site is from 2 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18. Meet at the Seventh and Oak Street baseball field. City staff and representatives from Connect One Design, the firm contracted to develop the project, will be on hand to share design ideas, answer questions and gather your input. Reserve the date as we want to hear from you.
When Southwest Memorial Hospital announced it would undergo a 40-staff reduction in force, the news hit hard. Most of us know at least one person affected directly or indirectly as a result of the reduction, and there is concern for the future of the hospital.
The city reached out to offer the use of council chambers for public a forum to allow citizens to ask questions and share their concerns. Both boards have agreed, and as soon as the date has been confirmed, the public will be notified. I encourage everyone to attend.
Access to quality health care is critical to our community, and it is important that citizens be informed and hold our two hospital boards accountable.
Several months ago, City Council made the decision to invest in additional solar panels for City Hall as the return on investment was too good to pass up.
Installation for this project began this week. It should not interfere with access to City Hall, but it’s always nice to have a heads-up – in this case literally – to know what those people are doing on the roof.
The Heart & Soul Project focused city attention on the importance of youth involvement in city government. As a result, at least one seat is reserved for youths on the golf, parks and rec, and library boards and the Public Arts Committee.
To increase participation by our young people, Peyton Heitzman, city intern, was charged earlier this year with researching and organizing a youth commission. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about their city government, share their ideas for improving our community and work on community projects. Several young people have expressed interest with one meeting held over the summer. Interested students should contact Peyton at (970) 564-407 or email her at pheitzman@cityofcortez.com.
Finally, drop by the rec center and library and check out the artwork on display provided by local artists. I guarantee you’ll be impressed!
Karen Sheek is the mayor of Cortez, a position elected by City Council members. Reach her at ksheek@cityofcortez.com or during her office hours from 12:30-1:30 p.m. the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
