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Council splits over $398,000 road-extension proposal from GO Bond excess funds
Summary
At its May 5 meeting West Branch councilmembers debated using roughly $398,000 in GO Bond Series 2025 excess funds to extend Cedar-Johnson Road; proponents argued for improved infrastructure while opponents said the cost would benefit few residents and preferred prioritizing other public-works projects.
At the May 5 West Branch City Council meeting, councilmembers debated whether about $398,000 in excess proceeds from the city’s GO Bond Series 2025 should pay to extend Cedar-Johnson Road from Ember Lane north to just south of the city limits.
City Engineer Schechinger told the council that contractor Boomerang quoted $398,000 to convert the existing chip-seal segment to concrete and complete grading and drainage work for the extension. Councilmember Jerry Sexton said he supported the extension, noting delivery drivers currently cut across his property to travel between Lazy Brook Drive and Cedar-Johnson Road and that placing concrete would address that issue. Sexton said he would hand implementation to staff and the city administrator once directed.
Councilmember Colton Miller said spending roughly $400,000 to serve what he described as “two driveways” was not a responsible use of the excess bond funds. Miller urged the council to review a list of public-works projects assembled by Public Works Director Matt Goodale and said many of those projects would benefit more residents than the proposed extension. Councilmembers Jodee Stoolman and Mike Horihan expressed agreement with Miller’s position.
City Administrator Adam Kofoed said any bond repayment would be covered by a mix of TIF and LOST revenues. Kofoed said Schechinger needed direction and, based on council comments, confirmed the original Cedar-Johnson Road reconstruction project would proceed without the Ember Lane extension. He said council review of Goodale’s project list and additional direction on the use of excess funds will return to the agenda on May 19.
The council also discussed background on the parcel: Sexton noted that Birdie Drive—an unbuilt public street that would have connected Lazy Brook to Cedar-Johnson Road—had been vacated and returned to right-of-way by resolution in 2022. The council did not vote to extend the road on May 5 and directed staff to bring follow-up information and project priorities to the next meeting.
What happens next: The item is scheduled for further discussion at the May 19 City Council meeting, where councilmembers said they will review Public Works’ prioritized project list and confirm next steps for the GO Bond excess funds.
