Streetscape list ready to be punched

By Mike Van Sickle
Union editor

The entire downtown area is open to traffic in West Union, after the installation of porous pavers was completed on N. Vine Street over the weekend.

With the last portion of the paver installation complete, city officials remind the public that work will continue.

A “punch list” of items requiring replacement, repairs, and/or improvements to have been compiled by the project designers and engineers.

Among the most noticeable items is the repaving of the center, paving strip on N. Vine Street between Main Street and Highway 18.

City administrator Bob Vagts acknowledged Monday that the City was aware of the irregular alignment last fall, when a manhole on that portion of the project was not centered in the street. 

No matter if the design or installation is to blame for the error,” Vagts reported,  “the City will not be responsible for the corrections required.”

Vagts noted that the project, including punch list items must be completed by Monday, July 1.

Additional punch list items include the adjustment of light fixtures, leveling of pavers, final joint fill of pavers, minor finish work to exposed concrete and joints, and several other minor items.

Trees and native plants are scheduled to be planted in the downtown area in the coming weeks. 

Grand opening July 11

The Thursday, July 11, Green Pilot Streetscape grand opening celebration schedule tentatively includes the following:

  1 p.m. – Longtime radio personality/ag reporter Ken Root will broadcast from the courthouse gazebo, and walking tours of the downtown project will be offered.

3 p.m. – Ribbon-cutting, short program, and refreshments.

5 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Music by Fusion at the Civic Plaza.

All events will take place at the new downtown Civic Plaza at the corners of Elm and Vine Streets.  All businesses are encouraged to join the event with tours of their business, sidewalk sales, etc. Any individual, group, or organization wishing to participate in planning the grand opening celebration are encouraged to call Deputy City Clerk Amie Johansen at 422-3908.