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Council narrows scope of Tower Avenue Extension, moves forward with east‑side work
Summary
On a unanimous vote, the Walker City Council agreed March 2 to proceed with the 2027 Tower Avenue Extension but focus on completing the east-side portion (2nd Street to Highway 371), citing water-system, fire-protection and funding considerations; councilmembers noted public concerns about the west-side plan.
Councilmember Gary Wilkening moved and Mayor Jerecho Worth seconded a motion to proceed with the 2027 Tower Avenue Extension and concentrate on completing the east-side portion from 2nd Street to Highway 371. The motion passed on a 5-0 roll call.
Wilkening told the council that abandoning the west-side portion may be advisable in light of public concerns heard previously, but said the city should not forfeit funding already secured for the project. He explained that the east-side work was planned earlier and includes looping the city’s water system, which he said would improve water quality, provide better fire protection and reduce maintenance compared with leaving a dead-end water line.
City Administrator Hope Fairchild asked whether council members needed additional staff information before proceeding; councilmembers indicated they had sufficient details to move forward and directed staff to advertise bids consistent with approved plans and specifications. Resolution 11-2026 to approve West Side Project plans/specs and order advertisement for bids was also approved at the meeting.
The minutes note council acknowledgment of prior public comment but do not include public comment text. The council tied the Tower Avenue decision to prudence around secured funding and to the operational benefit of water-looping; any final scope and construction schedule will depend on the forthcoming bidding process, engineering review and available grant reimbursements.
