By Shannon Wright 

The Town of Sibley addressed ongoing concerns about heavy truck traffic during the Town Hall meeting on Monday, February 9, taking decisive action to protect the town’s newly constructed road.

Twice since the completion of the town’s new $1 million dollar road at NE 5th Avenue and Weatherton, the same large tractor trailer and driver have run off the road in the same place and required assistance to be pulled out. Town officials say the damage and risk are simply too great to ignore.

“These roads are not built for that heavy of a load and money like that doesn’t come around every day,” said Mayor Robert Smart.

In response, the council brought Ordinance No. 152-A to the table, which will prohibit tractor trailers from using the road. A public hearing has been set for Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. regarding this matter.

While officials acknowledge the ordinance may be inconvenient for some drivers, they maintain that protecting the town’s infrastructure is their priority, and with such a significant investment, the town cannot afford continued damage.

In other business, the council shared positive news regarding recreation improvements. In previous discussions, members talked about the possibility of adding a playground near the splash pad. With recreation funds that needed to be used before expiring, an opportunity presented itself.

The City of Minden donated the playground equipment currently located at the Minden Recreation Center to the Town of Sibley. While Sibley is responsible for dismantling, transporting, and reinstalling the equipment, officials noted that the cost is far less than purchasing new playground equipment.

The council voted to hire Kincade Recreation to handle the project. Additional recreation-related improvements are also in the works.

Smart and council members reiterated their commitment to improving Sibley while carefully managing taxpayer dollars. As part of an effort to reduce expenses, the town is selling unused or rarely used vehicles. The council voted to declare the 2015 Ford Taurus police unit as no longer needed for public purposes, and it will be sold.

For updates, announcements, and information on upcoming events, residents are encouraged to follow the Sibley Town Hall Facebook page. 

The mayor and council also stress the importance of community involvement and remind residents that Town Council meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall. All residents are welcome and encouraged to attend.