Navigating City Ordinances and Celebrating Community Love
Hello from Mayor Kim Johnson.
Thank you to those who have provided positive feedback for my inaugural journal column. Here goes #2 and I continue to welcome feedback and input on content. I have had a few more council meetings and several county meetings under my belt. There is so much to learn.
This month’s column will address a few city council reminders then some lighthearted thoughts.
Did you know there’s a city ordinance that addresses U-turns in town (Chapter 64.02)? I took this directly from the ordinance. It is unlawful for a driver to make a U-turn except at an intersection; however, U-turns are prohibited within the Business District at the following designated intersections and at intersections where there are automatic traffic signals. 1. At the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Second Street South; 2. At the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Third Street South. This is a good reminder for all of us, including myself, to take 1 extra minute and go around a block vs making a U-turn. Just think, you might see something exciting or someone you know!
Another ordinance directly ATV-UTV owners. These vehicles are not allowed on Broadway from 4th St S to 1st St S. As convenient as they may be, you need to jump in your car or jump on your bike when spring gets here and head to mainstreet to support our local businesses.
Now on to some lighthearted news.
Congratulations to the Splash Pad Committee for pulling off a precious Daddy-Daughter dance. I heard they will continue their fundraising efforts by having a fun event, Meat Bingo, on March 16. I participated in this last year and it was super fun so come on out, support this great fundraiser and enjoy friends and family. This committee will be publicizing this event so watch for this.
Since Valentine’s Day was this week, I thought I would ask a few residents, “What do you LOVE about living in West Bend?” These are the good-feel responses I received: “West Bend is a small town but is also thriving”, “I appreciate the small businesses. You can get most any service you need and there is always someone there to help.”, “There are giving and caring people here.”, “the friendly people”, “the grotto”, “It’s so convenient to have a grocery store in town.”, “because I was born and raised here”, “It’s safe.” and “As a mom, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else raising my kids.”.
I will end my column with those heart-felt comments about our great community.
Please be assured that there is no cost for this column. We are very fortunate to still have an actual newspaper that serves our community. Feel free to contact me at any time at my email (kjkimtalk2@gmail.com) or you can reach me by phone at 320-241-4770.