Council approves 50% city participation to asphalt commercial alley; businesses to fund remainder

Council members debated whether the city should pave alleys and whether doing so would set a precedent. The issue centered on a commercial alley behind Ray County 911 and Hometown businesses that has washed out after prior utility work and has vehicular and delivery concerns.

City Attorney Chris Williams noted that the city has right-of-way over alleys but historically has not maintained all alleys. Councilor Ron Peterson and Councilor Mike Persell discussed commercial vs. residential distinctions and whether the county would help; Peterson called distinguishing commercial alleys a "fairly easy" mapping exercise. Peterson and Persell both said the city needed a consistent policy.

After discussion about precedent and funding, Councilor Williams said he would speak with business owners about partnering. The council then approved a motion to have 50% participation: the city to pay $2,250 and the other seven businesses/building owners to fund the remainder of paving the 13 x 311‑foot alley (motion by Guy, second Persell). The motion carried 6‑0. Council recorded no specific final contractor contract in the minutes; public‑works staff were asked to follow up on costs and participant commitments.

The decision was framed as a limited, site‑specific action rather than a blanket policy change; council members asked staff to inventory alleys and clarify policy going forward.