M’ville may get Farmer’s Market; crime down, Baxter center to reopen

MARYSVILLE – A Farmer's Market is likely returning to town. The city, in conjunction with Allen Creek Community Church, likely will approve it at a council meeting Monday, April 13.

MARYSVILLE – A Farmer’s Market is likely returning to town.

The city, in conjunction with Allen Creek Community Church, likely will approve it at a council meeting Monday, April 13.

The market would take place each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, 1035 State Avenue, from May 31 to Oct. 31.

Parks director Jim Ballew said a “pretty good menu” of local vendors would be on hand. He also was excited that Allen Creek had lined up some local farms to participate.

“We have struggled with that,” he said of previous attempts at having a farmer’s market.

Ballew added that such a market could bring visitors to town who would buy gas, food and more.

“Hopefully businesses would profit from that,” he said. “It’s exciting to bring this back to the community.”

He also said Allen Creek is promising a waste-free environment.

“When they leave we won’t even know they were there,” Ballew said.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Rick Smith said in the first three months of this year all crimes are down in the city to their lowest levels since 2010.

All crimes are down 42 percent, he said at a City Council work session April 6.

Smith said the new property crimes unit has made 77 felony arrests and recovered $180,000 in drugs. He added the squad’s night team has taken 31 stolen firearms off the street.

Council member Donna Wright added that $200,000 in property has been returned to people by the new unit.

Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen talked about the widening of State Avenue from 116th to 136th. Two lanes will be built on the east side of the existing road. Mayor Jon Nehring said previously he hoped construction would start this month.

“We’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” the mayor said.

“You’re not kidding,” Nielsen added.

The council also will vote on that contract April 13.

Nielsen also talked about the Pavement Preservation Program, which will get off to an early start this year if the council approves the projects.

Ballew said the Baxter Community Center should reopen by mid-April.

“It looks like a new building,” Nielsen said.

Ballew also said the Community Day for Clean Sweep Week is Saturday, April 11. Trail reclamation at Mother Nature’s Window park will be a main project.

In other news:

• The council voted to allow the condemnation process if needed for land to build a reservoir on in the Sunnyside area.

• Spring cleaning of old computers are taking place. Some will be sold as surplus. Others will be destroyed because of sensitive information on them.

• An agreement with Frontier Communications also is likely to be approved Monday.