City Council approves Festival Street project to enhance downtown Sweet Home

The Sweet Home City Council convened on January 14, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including updates on city audits, infrastructure improvements, and the Festival Street project.

The meeting began with a discussion on the city's audit schedule. A representative from the auditing firm outlined the timeline for completing the 2023 audit, with plans to start the 2024 audit shortly thereafter. The goal is to have both audits completed by the end of the year, allowing the city to proceed with a loan process related to the wastewater treatment facility. This loan, referred to as the WIFI loan, is contingent upon the completion of the audits.

Following the audit discussion, the city manager provided updates on various city initiatives. One significant improvement mentioned was the installation of new signage on First Avenue to deter through truck traffic. The city has replaced existing sign poles with taller ones to enhance visibility and added additional signage to reinforce the message.

The council also discussed the upcoming Festival Street project on Thirteenth Avenue, which will undergo a one-way conversion from north to south. The city manager addressed public concerns regarding the project, emphasizing that it is part of a broader downtown streetscape and parking plan adopted in March 2022 after extensive public engagement. The Festival Street initiative aims to create a flexible space for community events while enhancing pedestrian experiences and promoting local businesses.

The city manager highlighted the project's key features, including improved walkability, flexible use for events, and a design that reflects Sweet Home's culture and history. The council aims to foster economic growth and community identity through this initiative.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to improving infrastructure and community engagement while ensuring financial accountability through timely audits. The council plans to continue monitoring these projects and will provide updates in future meetings.