Though the city of Mineola is formally protesting the recent decision by the state requiring the removal of traditional senior class artwork along W. Patten St., the council is ready to follow the state guidance if the appeal fails.

The city council took no formal action Monday, Dec. 22 but did advise that if the appeal is for naught, the city will repave the street or complete whatever other action will follow the rules for traffic controls on streets.

Officials were scheduled to speak with engineers on Dec. 23, but City Manager Cindy Karch said it is not likely that one will sign off on the artwork as being in compliance.

The City of Overton is also appealing the ruling, which would require removal of horseshoes painted on city streets.

“I really don’t think it was (US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s) intention to do this to small towns,” said Mineola Mayor Jayne Lankford. She added that the murals are not a distraction, certainly less than some electronic billboards.

The move to get rid of the murals began last summer with information at the federal level that decorative crosswalks are not allowed as they pose a possible distraction to drivers. It was passed on to the state level and then to the district engineer, who advised city officials.

The state went so far as to say that cities could lose state and federal highway funds if not complying.

Karch noted the city receives such funds and will continue to seek a grant for a pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks on the south side of downtown.

Councilman Mitch Tuck said the city cannot put those funds at risk.

Karch predicted the students will continue the tradition, and suggested city officials meet with the school to see if another alternative can be found for the senior project which goes back more than half a century.

The potential cost of repaving the section of street is up to $40,000—$50,000.