Bloomington alderman Kevin Lower says he'll host two more open house meetings with the public Feb. 15 and March 8. (WJBC file photo)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington alderman Kevin Lower hosted an open house with residents of the Ward 1 Monday night. One of the topics covered was improvements to Lafayette Street.

Numerous residents questioned Lower as to when the road will be repaired and when a barely visible stop sign at the intersection of E. Lafayette and Bunn Street will be addressed.

"It is on the radar," Lower said. "As a matter of fact, I believe Lafayette has actually made the major list of major projects that need to be accomplished at some point in time."

The cost of such work could be near $9 million.

Solid waste fees were also another issue addressed during the open house. The city council is looking at ways to make up a $2 million dollar shortfall in the solid waste program.

"I would like to see a little bit more of a user fee-type structure," Lower said. "There are certain folks, with every kind of service that the city provides, that use that service more than others."

City Manager David Hales has said the city could charge up to $100 per haul to cover the costs of waste pickup.

Lower also told residents that he'd like to see the Miller Park Zoo become self-sufficient, instead of expanding it with taxpayer dollars.

Lower said two more open house meetings will be held Feb. 15 and March 8.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].