Construction season will be starting early in downtown Lima as phase two of the streetscape improvement project is set to begin. Truck detour signs will be going up in early February for Central Avenue between Elm Street and Wayne Street. The contractor will begin installing the new storm sewer during the winter, and in the spring work on new sidewalks, street lighting, crosswalks, and more will begin.

Committee members heard a proposal to raise the Storm Water Utility rate to meet rising costs of labor, equipment, and materials. A motion was passed to refer the issue to the full city council, where it will be considered further. If the proposal is accepted, the monthly rate would increase from $5.27 to $5.90 over the next five years.

The other main concern of the meeting was street parking on narrow roadways. Several neighborhoods were mentioned where cars parked on both sides of the street don't leave enough room for snowplows and emergency vehicles to safely get through. The Public Works Director, Kirk Niemeyer, wants to remind residents that there are rules in place for street parking when it snows.