Eric Bartkus Lowell City Council

-After a good bit of study, voted yes on the new fiscal year budget (starts July 1). Some specific comments:

1)3.5% across the board pay raises are modest for our hard-working staff. My property tax, food, and other items have increased at least 5 percent last year.

2)Don’t understand the $25K for four RV stalls at the Rec Park. This is only in the planning stages and is a part of the DDA budget and approval, but the city should have a solid business plan.

-Requested a work session to discuss improving the speeding and pedestrian safety on Riverside drive. The council agreed and the meeting is scheduled for 5:30pm on June 17. I live across from Sabor Mexicano and daily see drivers moving too fast. Cars trying to back from parking and pedestrians get frequent honks, as I have on riding my bicycle in that area. The residents on Riverside have been penalized for the backups at Main and Hudson by drivers trying to bypass the light. I don’t know what the best solution is, but am glad we are discussing possible changes.

-Voted to approve the additional money for the fire department. I hear the trucks coming out of the station and the number of calls have definitely increased. Most of the firefighters are paid per call. There are other good reasons why this $20K was money well spent.

Feel free to call me at 616 240 0227 to discuss, email at eric@ericbartkus.com or comment on my facebook page.