By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the Jan. 26 regular meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, discussion was had regarding the announcement that Guthrie Center would be on overnight community on the RAGBRAI bicycle tour this summer. City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said 1983 was the most recent year in which RAGBRAI overnighted in Guthrie Center.
Participants in the Des Moines Register’s statewide bicycle ride will arrive in Guthrie Center July 20 and leave the next day. Arrasmith acknowledged that the event will create traffic congestion issues, but she said the benefits far outweigh the challenges. She said RAGBRAI staff will help share their expertise regarding the city’s planning.
“It’s going to be some work, but it’s 24 hours,” Arrasmith said. “I think we can pull together and make this a really cool event.”
In other news, Arrasmith shared news on the playground equipment she suggested the city buy to replace old equipment in Mitchell Park. She said the equipment’s cost has dropped from about $38,000 to about $23,000, so she suggested also buying a swing set for about $4,900. Arrasmith said she expects the city will need to pay half of the total with the other half paid by a grant. The council voted to approve the purchase as suggested.
The council heard from Becky Petersen and Steve Smith regarding Main Street Guthrie Center. They mentioned the Celebrate Guthrie Center event is set for Friday, March 13.
Councilmember Erica Finster was named as the city’s representative on the nine-member EMS Advisory Committee.
The council’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m.