Contributing writer
Tampa City Council learned July 11 that some obstacles stand in the way of having four miles of road resurfaced between Tampa and K-15 as previously planned.
County commissioner Dan Holub explained that an engineer had looked at K-15 and determined more than six inches of asphalt were needed.
“He (the engineer) recommends putting a grid under it, like those used in swamp lands, then six inches of gravel and six inches of asphalt,” Holub said. “Then we’ll have a problem with steep shoulders.”
If the engineer’s suggestions are followed, the job could take three or four months. If the project began soon, it would interfere with harvest and possibly run into winter. The commission has two choices, Holub said, and wanted input from the city council.
Six inches of asphalt could be laid and the road could be finished this summer or the county could wait until March and follow the recommendations of the engineer.
Although council members were disappointed at the prospect of not having an improved road until next year, there was a consensus that it was important to have a road that will hold up; the engineer had referred to the method as a “20-year road.”
“If we are going to do it, we’d better do it right,” Mayor Tim Svoboda said.
Paul Backhus asked if there was a chance of getting the road east of Tampa covered with a double chip and seal this year. Holub said there was a good possibility it could be completed.
Gary and Carole Spohn reported on activity from the Pride committee. They announced that Pride would give the city $150 for utilities or for repairing or replacing a refrigerator. The group also sought city approval for three projects — displaying “Welcome to Tampa” signs, displaying banners on light poles, and making improvements to the message board on Main Street.
Spohn also reported that Eugene Schafer was organizing a co-ed softball tournament to coincide with the annual hog roast.
The council discussed replacing rusted street signs. Cost estimates from the county were $30 to $50 per sign.