Collinsville Park Association seeks EDC assistance with Old Depot Park trail revamp

The Collinsville Park Association is seeking Economic/Industrial Development funds to improve the walking path at Old Depot Park. The current path, made of decomposed granite, requires ongoing maintenance and can become overgrown and difficult to navigate.

The Association is proposing a full concrete sidewalk spanning approximately 1,650 feet across the park, providing a safer and more accessible route for walkers, joggers and park visitors.

The Association has received two quotes from local businesses and requested the City Council’s support to begin discussions with the Collinsville Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) boards regarding potential funding options. 
Council members expressed support for the project during Monday’s meeting.

Also during the meeting, a proposed amendment to the Water Rates section of the Master Fee Schedule failed to pass. 
The amendment would have adjusted water rates for customers living outside the city limits. With Aldermen Steve Ritchey and Chris Black absent, the motion received only two votes in favor and did not pass.

The Council also voted to discontinue the city’s annual mosquito treatment program within the Collinsville city limits. Members cited citizen concerns regarding potential environmental impacts and questioned the effectiveness of the biannual treatments.

A discussion regarding the possibility of converting the 100 blocks of East Hughes Street and West Hughes Street into an eastbound one-way roadway was tabled. The Council is exploring options to improve traffic flow and parking in the area but opted to revisit the discussion when all members could be present.

During the meeting, the Council approved:
• Closure of Stone Street between Main Street and Dewitt Street for Pioneer Day 
• Moving monthly CEDC meetings to the fourth Monday of each month at 9 a.m. 
• The resignation of Chris Black from the CEDC board 
• The appointment of Awbrey Hughlett and Kristy Parrott to serve on the CEDC board 

With council members absent, the group chose not to enter into Executive Session, and the meeting was adjourned.