Council retreat held to discuss city projects
By KATRYN MARTINEZ news1!kilgorenewsherald.com

City officials met Saturday for a council retreat and planning session which included more than 10 hours of discussion about a host of city projects.

Among projects discussed was the city parks master plan. Many of the goals set forth in the plan are complete or nearing completion and future projects are on the horizon.

According to Jeff Howell, city manager, spray parks - the topic of discussion for more than a year - are now on the "back burner," until some real estate issues are resolved.

Another delay is at Meadowbrook Park, where the city has planned a one-way in and oneway out parking lot on Houston Street. Howell said this delay was caused by a state shortage of RAP (recycled asphalt paving). The city is now charged with finding the funds to complete the project.

The lighting walking path planned at Harris Street Park is right on time. Mike Green, director of community services, said supplies have been ordered and the city is waiting for two more bids on the path project.

At the city pool, the city has plans to move the concession area, for pool-side accessibility. Howel said the move will be easier for pool patrons and concession employees.

Another topic was city streets. Howell said the most important projects are in the Kirkwood neighborhood off of Woodlawn Street and along Chandler Street.

Kirkwood drainage is in the design phase. A preliminary review of the plan is expected by mid to late February and con- struction could begin as early as June - following public meetings and project assessments.

Chandler improvements are in the assessment phase. Conceptual plans include curb and gutter improvements as well as traffic signals at one - or more - intersections.

Maverick Drive, which accesses North Kilgore Industrial Park has been found insufficient for the park's needs. The city is getting money together to fund the street's reconstruction. Howell said Maverick Drive can wait another year or two, behind more important projects like Chandler Street.

The city is also looking at repairs to the drainage channel at Andrews and Lantrip Streets, as well as asking residents along Airport and Van Meter Roads to dedicate their portion of the roads to public use, so the city can maintain them.

Other planning session discussions included the coexistence of Kilgore Senior Citizens and Boys and Girls Club; and ideas for getting at least one downtown theater re-opened. Howell said the seniors and boys and girls club administrators need to have a meeting to discuss their coexistence. As for a theater, Howell said, information needs to be compiled and sequenced - then planning can start and the Texan is the most logical choice.

Howell said the city will contact stake holders and the public in the coming months for ideas about downtown streetscapes. City officials want the public to have the final say in this plan.

Kilgore City Council meets again 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Kilgore City Hall in Council Chambers.