Elko New Market City Council — Transcript
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Public Safety Grant Application
Main Street Improvement Project (Paving and Safety)
Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Prioritization
Municipal State Aid System (MSAS) Roads
City-wide Code Enforcement Sweep
Votes (1)
Main Street Pavement and Safety Improvement Project
Dissent: Council Member Kate expressed a preference to include it for discussion, and another council member was open to 'leaving it on the table to discuss later,' indicating some interest in keeping the project in consideration despite the majority's decision to defer.
The presentation detailed the need to pave the gravel Main Street segment, citing quality of life issues (dust, mud, bumps) and public safety concerns (incorrect stop control at Xerxes, sharp curves). A proposed solution involved paving to a lower 20 mph design speed with specific lane markings and a flatter profile at the Xerxes intersection, avoiding costly full realignment. Staff highlighted that paving is primarily for quality of life rather than cost savings, and discussed potential impacts on speeds and access to local bars. Council members deliberated the project's urgency, its potential as a future detour, and the complex financing mechanisms required. Despite acknowledging long-term needs, the council informally decided against including it in the immediate 5-year CIP, opting to keep it for later consideration.
Notable Quotes (5)
So, this is not about money, it's about quality of life for the users of that road and the people alongside it.
However, just so we're on the same page, too, we should never be using stop signs for speed control. Let's just clarify that so it doesn't future conversations come up that people are complaining about speed. Your stop sign's not your correction for that.
I've been here 15 years. We're very familiar with that intersection. Um One of the residents there does complain quite often about the stop signs. We do periodically sit there. Does someone every once in a while blow that stop sign? Yeah, absolutely. But since public works did a good job of cutting back the trees, that's greatly reduced issues. And in the 15 years that I've been here, I've been to two crashes on Circ C and both involved drunk drivers and they were not at that intersection.
as things continue to evolve and grow here, there will come a time you'll need to close Xerxes for us for extension or some improvement. So, having this connection made and paved would be a benefit for routing traffic for a detour.
I think it can cook. That's what I think. It can sit and cook.
Ordinances & Resolutions (8)
A grant applied for by the Chief of Police to fund public safety camera equipment for officers.
The city's strategic plan outlining capital projects for future years, subject to council approval and prioritization.
A state manual referenced for conventional wisdom and standards regarding the appropriate placement and use of stop signs.
A study conducted by MnDOT to determine appropriate speed limits on Xerxes based on actual driver behavior and road conditions.
A system used by the city to classify roadways based on their function, with Main Street classified as a minor collector.
The city's current comprehensive planning process, which includes discussions on the long-term classification and role of roads like Main Street.
A state aid program providing funding for municipal roads, with criteria and financial implications discussed.
A specific plan required for financing certain street projects, necessitating a formal hearing and a reverse referendum period.