Avoca to rent Rose Street Warehouse to Coleman-Bass Trucking; residents raise concerns about bike race access

At its Jan. 8 meeting the Avoca Town Council agreed to rent the Rose Street Warehouse to Coleman-Bass Trucking after Recorder-Treasurer Nanette Barnes said three companies had expressed interest.

During public forum residents Keith Coleman and Lane (Lance) Shook introduced themselves and said they were interested in renting the warehouse. The council ultimately selected Coleman-Bass Trucking; the minutes do not specify the winning bidder's representative.

Jason Evans asked the council to approve upcoming bike race dates (March 20, April 10, May 1 and May 21). Councilmembers said the town had received complaints about a previous course that blocked the park and streets; Ald. Kathy Hansen asked Evans to meet with her to revise course setup so residents can continue to use the park during events. Ald. Hansen and Recorder-Treasurer Barnes also reported plans to meet with local organizers on Jan. 30 to get the farmers market established at the Steam Whistle Depot Park.

Zoning Official Larry Parrish reported multiple properties had been cleaned up and closed out of enforcement, and staff noted FEMA granted an extension to complete flood-related street repairs by March 1, 2019. Recorder-Treasurer Barnes said council had agreed to route the Avoca Heritage Trail to Orchard Street and to install conduits for future trail lighting as part of the Transportation Alternatives Program discussions.