School board hears trail crossing proposal

Plans for a recreational trail in Hartley include a crossing at an existing pedestrian crosswalk near Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School.

The Hartley Recreational Trail Committee has been awarded a $20,000 grant by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Committee member Dave Vander Broek told H-M-S board members this month that the grant funds, along with a "half match" of $10,000 by the committee, are earmarked for warning lights at the trail crossing on Highway 18.

The warning lights will be similar to those at pedestrian crossings in Sanborn and other communities. The committee has a proposal for two pole assemblies, flashing warning lights and required signage. Although the warning lights and signs are yellow, motorists will need to stop when those lights are flashing.

"Yellow usually means caution, but these do not. They mean stop," Vander Broek said. "State law requires that motorists stop when pedestrians are crossing."

The trail committee has identified four potential crossing sites on Highway 18: the existing pedestrian crossing at North 6th Avenue West, a site on the north side of St. Joseph's Catholic Church, a location near Brew Oil and a site near Cornfed Cricket.

When asked whether the committee had a preference, Vander Broek responded, "The one that is most preferable is where it is right now."

He noted that crossing is the most cost-effective, and other locations have safety and other drawbacks.

Wherever the crossing is located, the next portion of the trail would continue on school property. In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation requires that crossings connect with a sidewalk on both sides of the road. The district does not have plans for a sidewalk around the elementary building, but the board is open to discussing it.

The grant funds are available until June of 2024, but the trail committee intends to move forward due to anticipated supply chain issues, as well as the time necessary to collaborate with the City of Hartley and the district.

"It would be nice to be settled before the end of this calendar year," Vander Broek said. "People cross there all year long, so it would be good to get on this as soon as possible."

"It's a good community project," said Board Member Ryan Haack.

The trail committee's request will be considered at a future meeting.

In other business this month, the board held its annual reorganizational meeting. Scott Vollink and Haack will continue as board president and vice president, and remain on the personnel committee. Becky Stoltz and Kyle McCarter will represent H-M-S on the O'Brien and Osceola county conference boards. Chad Lyman and Stoltz will serve on the School Improvement Advisory Committee, and McCarter and Vollink will continue as building and grounds committee members.

Emily Widvey was reappointed board secretary/treasurer and Ahlers & Cooney will serve as legal counsel. The district will also utilize The Sentinel-News and Sanborn Pioneer as legal newspapers.