Broadway Street to Remain Two-Way

McKENZIE (July 11) — After nearly four months of contention, Broadway in downtown McKenzie will remain a two-way street. During a pre-meeting workshop, the McKenzie City Council discussed a letter provided by the architectural firm TLM and Associates that stated Broadway is indeed wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic.
Brittany Martin and her father, Joel Washburn, of The McKenzie Banner addressed the council during the workshop to encourage them to vote “no” on Ordinance 569, which would have converted Broadway to a one-way street. Mayor Ryan Griffin informed the council it was in his opinion that Broadway was better left as a two-way street.
During the roll call vote of the meeting, the council voted 5-0 against Ordinance 569, it’s second and final reading.
In other business, the council voted to allow the McKenzie Police Department to purchase two additional F-150 trucks. The funds to pay for the vehicles were provided by the department’s Drug Fund and the Safestreet Account (camera tickets).
During department reports, Police Chief Ryan White stated the Police Department received 1932 calls in June. Battalion Chief Jason Arnold noted the Fire Department received 44 calls in June; 10 were medical assists and one tractor fire.
Under general government, the City of McKenzie has received numerous calls regarding the garbage cans not picked up by the Republic, the City’s formers provider of solid waste. No date could be provided on when Republic plans to pick up the remaining cans. McKenzie contracted with RaeKar starting July 1 for weekly garbage pickup.
Codes Officer Jim Seaton stated he issued 30 violations in June with four remaining non-compliant. He added several properties were cited in court on August 5.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the McKenzie City Council is August 8.