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The Washington City Council approved changing West Madison Street from 4 lanes to 3.  At last night’s City Council meeting Councilors Karen Wilson-Johnson, Fred Stark and Ron Zieglowski all expressed concerns from citizens and business owners that were against the plan.  Those for the change cited reasons of safety as a concern.

The Council was tied on the decision and Mayor Sandra Johnson broke the tie by deciding to move forward with the project.  The new lane configuration of 1 east bound lane, 1 westbound lane and a center turn lane will take effect after the Iowa Department of Transportation resurfaces the road from the Highway 1 interchange to 2nd Avenue in the summer of 2012.

The Council has also set a date of April 29th for bids to be submitted for the demolition of the buildings at 207, 209 and 211 South Marion Avenue.

They decided to hire a search firm to assist in the replacement of the City Administrator as well.

The process of compiling data on utility rate increases is still in progress by current City Administrator Dave Plyman.  Plyman says he will present more information at a future council meeting.