City Council Approves Mallard Lane Cycle Track Removal and Focuses on Sidewalk Projects

The Taylor City Council convened on August 28, 2025, to discuss several key infrastructure projects, focusing on road maintenance and safety improvements. The meeting began with a review of the current condition of local streets, particularly Second Street, where issues related to the resurfacing process were highlighted. Council members expressed concerns about the noise generated by the larger pebbles used in the recent asphalt application and the delamination occurring at intersections.

The discussion shifted to potential solutions for the identified problems. Council members debated whether to invest in a more comprehensive enhancement of the streets rather than simply applying a reseal coat. It was noted that while Second Street is performing well, the costs associated with upgrading other streets, such as Fourth Street, could be relatively low and worth considering for future projects.

A significant point of discussion was the completion of the Mallard Lane sidewalk, which was emphasized as a priority due to its proximity to an elementary school. Council members expressed a preference for focusing on the sidewalk and the East Lake Drive mill and overlay project, suggesting that the removal of bike lanes could also improve safety and traffic flow.

Councilman Bridal proposed a motion to remove the Mallard Lane cycle track and apply a new surface for $352,000, with the possibility of allocating leftover funds for the East Lake Drive project. The motion received a second from Councilwoman Long and was put to a vote. The council ultimately voted in favor of the motion, with a 3-1 outcome.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the budget and potential additional funding for future projects as the overall bond progresses. The council aims to manage each project within its budget while remaining open to further enhancements as resources allow.