Council approves North Omen sidewalks after neighborhood concerns; east bike‑trail and modified west segment to proceed

The Mitchell City Council approved the North Omen Street sidewalk project after a public hearing that drew neighborhood questions about pedestrian usage, connectivity and property assessments.

City staff described the plan as converting a rural roadway to an urban section with curb, gutter and sidewalks, with a total estimated project cost of $5.7 million. The city said roughly $140,000 of that would be assessed to affected property owners and the remainder would come from city general and enterprise funds. Bids are scheduled to be opened next week and construction is planned for this summer if permitting allows.

During the public‑comment period, Derek Gross questioned whether the east‑side bike‑trail would be used and whether past trails had been funded by grants; he suggested a painted bike lane as a lower‑cost alternative. Tanner Music, representing Music Properties and owners of property on the west side, said a proposed sidewalk in front of his apartments ‘goes nowhere’ now and urged council to limit immediate requirements. He agreed, however, to construct the Country Drive frontage if council proceeds.

Council members discussed connectivity, drainage work, and long‑term development patterns. They voted to approve segment one (the east‑side 8‑foot bike trail with a five‑foot assessment to property owners) and then approved a modified approach for segment two, directing staff to proceed with the Country Drive tie‑in now and defer further north extension until development or later action.

The council also clarified that the parks department will maintain snow removal on the eight‑foot bike trail on the east side, and that property owners would be responsible only for the five‑foot sidewalk portion. Final assessment notices will be mailed in the fall, with options for immediate payment or a five‑year tax assessment at 8% interest if owners defer.

The council’s motions passed without recorded opposition; staff will proceed to bid the project and return with final assessment calculations and construction bid awards.