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Kasson council discusses Big Iron Classic street closure, seeks school coordination to limit disruption
Summary
Councilors were open to a short street closure for Big Iron Classic golf-cart crossings but emphasized timing that avoids school bus pickup and drop-off; staff will contact the superintendent and police to set specific start times for the closure.
Councilors discussed a request tied to the annual Big Iron Classic for closing a short section of street to allow golf carts and pedestrians to cross between a campground and fairground property.
Council members and community representatives said safety is the primary concern. "If these guys are camping across the street, it would be safer for everybody involved if that section of street was closed so that people could go back and forth easily," Paul said, arguing the short closure would reduce vehicle-golf-cart conflicts.
School logistics complicated the request: the superintendent expressed concern about camping and crossings during school hours and recommended the city avoid a closure during the first week of school and to not start camping before 4 p.m. Council members discussed waiting until the last school buses leave before installing barricades. "I would strongly, strongly recommend that we at least wait until whatever time the last bus leaves," one council member said, noting the staggered dismissal schedule for high school, middle and elementary schools.
Organizers said Friday evening and Saturday are the busiest times for camp arrivals and crossings; council members suggested a compromise of closing the street Friday night after buses have completed pickup and leaving it closed through Sunday morning. The police chief provided written comments to organizers (to be shared) and staff were asked to follow up with the superintendent and the police chief to confirm exact times and to report back to the council.
No formal vote to close the street was recorded at the meeting; the council directed staff to coordinate with school and public-safety officials and return with a recommended schedule or permit terms.
Why it matters: the closure would make crossings safer for golf-cart users during a popular local event but may disrupt school transportation; the council signaled willingness to permit a time-limited closure if it does not interfere with bus routes.
