Ainsworth council approves one‑and‑six‑year street plan after public hearing, pushes paving‑district planning

The Ainsworth City Council unanimously approved Resolution 252, adopting the city’s one‑and‑six‑year plan for streets and highways after a public hearing that emphasized fixing emergency routes.

Mayor Joel Clommer opened the hearing and asked staff and council members to highlight priorities; council member Jay urged focusing on emergency routes and recommended forming a paving district to fund work on First Street, Pine Street and Harrington. Resident Bonnie, speaking during public comment, encouraged connecting First and Pine in a single district and noted past opt‑outs and the potential for state funding on emergency routes.

Council and staff discussed materials and long‑term cost: several members said concrete had matched or approached asphalt costs in recent projects and argued that concrete would last longer on heavily trafficked truck routes. Councilors repeatedly stressed the need for public outreach, especially for resident‑initiated districts where a lower approval threshold may apply, and for exploring grant or state funding for emergency‑route segments.

After closing the hearing, the council moved to adopt Resolution 252. Cody called the roll; Heather, Dustin, Brad and Kent voted yes and the motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters: The one‑and‑six‑year plan establishes which streets the city will prioritize for design and funding decisions, and approval clears the way for staff to pursue paving districts, grant opportunities and budget allocations ahead of the next construction season.

What’s next: Council directed staff to incorporate the council’s prioritized corridors into budget planning and to begin public outreach around any proposed paving districts so residents can be informed and, if applicable, initiate district petitions or opt‑in discussions.