The 2023 Street and Utility Improvement project plan was presented at the public hearing during the August 8 regular city council meeting. The public hearing allowed property owners and residents to share their opinions and ask questions of City Engineer Matthew Mohs and council members.
Council members in attendance include Mayor DeWayne (Tank) Schroeder, Robert “Bob” Klug, David Fitzpatrick, and Brad Rykhus. Amanda Ninneman was not in attendance.
The street and utility improvement project area runs along S. Marshall Street from Main Street to E. Washington Street and along E. Grove Street from S. Kingston Street to S. Pine Street. Mohs first reviewed the rating scale used to determine the street conditions. Mohs explained that the ranking was based on pavement ratings, pipe material, pipe size, pipe age, and known pipe deficiencies summarizing, “Based on existing conditions, full reconstruction is recommended.”
The total project is estimated at $2,006,984. At the April 11 city council meeting, the project cost was estimated at $1,551,800. The plan is to finance the project from the city’s capital improvement, sewer, and water funds, plus special assessments. The council approved the city’s first assessment policy at the May 23, 2022, regular city council meeting. The assessment is 25% for property owners. Mohs explained to the audience that the federal government owns the post office building, which is exempt from assessments for local improvements. Therefore, the city will absorb the costs of $69,913.12. The city plans to send a letter asking them to pay for their assessments. The assessment rates are not finalized until after the assessment hearing.
Mohs reviewed the work and materials used to construct the streets, driveway aprons, sidewalks, and drainage. The plan calls for any disturbed grass to be restored. The sidewalks will be removed and replaced and will meet ADA guidelines. A temporary pedestrian access route would be built.
It was emphasized that businesses and residents in the construction area would not be without water unless necessary. If the water has to be shut off, businesses and residents will be notified before it is shut off.
With a post office located in the project area, plans will be devised to ensure that mail delivery is not distributed.
The next neighborhood informational meeting is scheduled for mid to late October, with the third meeting expected to take place early next spring, and construction to begin afterward. Bids will be open in mid-November. The completion date is the summer of 2024.
After the public hearing, the council unanimously approved the 2023 Street And Utility Improvement Hearing and ordered the improvement and preparation of plans and specifications.
In other business, the board:
•Approved the hire of Emmy Carlson as EMT for the Caledonia Ambulance;
•Approved a tobacco license for Jason Redman, CBD Shop at 111 E. Main Street, Caledonia;
•Approved Wapasha Construction’s payment request of $221,883.06 for work performed on the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project completion date is scheduled for the fall of 2023;
•Approved Resolution 2022-17, Special Session Resolution, A resolution urging the Minnesota Legislature to declare a special session to approve a bonding bill;
•Approved the 2023 purchase of a 2022 John Deere Gator with one bench seat and a dump box from Midwest Machinery Co. for $18,186.53. The Gator will be rented for the rest of 2022 with the rental price going toward the purchase in 2023.
The next regularly scheduled Caledonia City Council meeting will be held on Monday, August 22, 2022, at 6 p.m. at the Caledonia City Hall, 231 E. Main Street, Caledonia. The meeting is open to the public.
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