Oskaloosa council directs staff to craft exceptions to Complete Streets policy and reopens 8th Avenue West plans

The Oskaloosa City Council on July 21 directed city staff to develop additional exceptions to the municipality's Complete Streets policy and approved scheduling a public hearing to reconsider plans and specifications for 8th Avenue West.

Council discussed three options presented by staff: leave the existing Complete Streets policy unchanged; add narrowly defined exceptions; or remove the policy entirely. Staff said the policy, adopted by resolution in 2015, guides walking and bicycling accommodations on transportation projects but allows enumerated exceptions such as insufficient right of way, excessive cost, or legal prohibitions. After extended discussion about resident opposition, street width, and farm access, a council member moved to pursue option two'adding exceptions and returning to council with staff recommendations. The motion to direct staff carried on roll call.

The council then voted to schedule a public hearing for Aug. 4 to reconsider the 8th Avenue West reconstruction plans and specifications. The project as presented would replace PCC pavement and add sidewalks on both sides; staff listed an engineering estimate of $192,138 and noted bids were opened June 27 and are valid for 60 days. Several council members and residents raised concerns that the proposed design, including sidewalk placement and a 27'foot curb-to-curb standard referenced in the discussion, could impede farm equipment access to privately held land off the road. Supporters said improved drainage, curb replacements and future connection to a recreational trail were long'term community benefits.

No final design changes were approved at the meeting. The public hearing will allow additional testimony and give the council a chance to consider specific exception criteria drafted by staff. Councilmembers and staff repeatedly said the intent of the next step is to produce objective criteria (for example, road classification, dead-end status or existing access constraints) rather than ad hoc decisions.

The action leaves the current project in a state of reconsideration: if the council restores the item after the hearing and approves the plans within the bid validity window, the project could proceed this year; otherwise, it may be delayed into the next budget cycle and re-competed. The council adjourned the discussion with direction to staff to return to a future work session with proposed exceptions and broadly applicable criteria.