Councilman Robert Maust submitted his resignation, due his health and age, effective April 30. At the April 4 meeting two resolutions each declaring a vacancy on the city council were approved, one for councilman David Collett who passed on March 14 and the other for Maust.
City hall is accepting letters of application from city residents who are interested in serving as a council member. The city council will consider the applications and appoint two individuals to fill the vacant seats.
Councilman Charles Sparks thanked Robert Maust for all of his work over the eight years he has served on the council. Maust noted that two major street projects were approved (2014 and 2021) during this time. The second project will be completed this year. “A lot of good things have happened,” noted Maust.
Feasibility report for Maple St./Circle Heights Dr.
City Engineer Brett Grabau explained the Maple St. project (from Ridge Rd. to the western termination point) would involve removing the existing asphalt, adding additional rock, the adjustment of sanitary sewer/gate valve structures, and a two-inch covering of bituminous. The televising of the existing sanitary sewer is recommended prior to construction. The new driving surface will eliminate the ongoing maintenance issues. The engineer’s estimate for the total project cost is $74,964.87. About 40% of the cost, or $26,673.95, is assessable (possibly $29.28/assessable lineal foot).
Grabau recommended the council accept the feasibility report as submitted. He added the council could go through a quote process, if they went forward with this project only. The improved street will have the same alignment with a new driving surface.
Circle Heights Dr. (entrance and exit to Branding Iron Restaurant) is about 50 years old. Grabau recommended a full reconstruction of the roadway with curb and gutter replacements. Some utilities need to be televised to see if there are issues. The engineer’s estimate of the project cost is $289,170.38. It could be 40% assessable or $113,846.55. Because there are only three properties, two residences and one commercial business, the amount of assessment would not be equitable. Grabau recommended that assessments be fair, suggesting using an average of 2014 and 2021 assessments for residences and commercial businesses for the three properties. Because the cost of the project is over $175,000 the public bid schedule will need to be used.
The city council approved the feasibility report for Maple St. and the feasibility report for Circle Heights Dr. Public hearings, as required for assessable projects, will be held for both projects on Tuesday, May 3. After the public hearing, Grabau will ask the city council to move forward with plans and specifications. The current schedule includes starting construction in late August with final completion by mid-October.
Other business in brief
•Jim Bakken, Public Works, said he had received two quotes for mowing, and trimming of Crown Hill Cemetery for 2022. The low quote from Med City Mowing out of Chatfield at $495 for mowing and trimming half of cemetery each visit was approved. He expects this to cost between $12,000 and $15,000 over the mowing season.
•The council discussed the four civil defense sirens that failed to activate on December 15 due to a power outage. The old sirens have no battery backup; a battery backup cannot be added to the existing sirens. Bakken had an estimate for about $25,000 per siren to replace them. He said they may only need two or three sirens and if some prep work is completed by city staff, the cost could be reduced. No action was taken this day.
•The city council had approved the 2021 compensation study which included a new step scale. The council approved pay grades and step positions, effective April 1. Due to the timing difference between the compensation study and its implementation, the effect on the budget will be a 1% change across all departments.
•The rock and bituminous bids for 2022 were approved.
•Friday, April 29 is Arbor Day. Preston has had the Tree City designation for 38 years. The last Friday in April was proclaimed as Arbor Day and May was proclaimed to be Arbor month. The tree planting ceremony with a group of kids will be on Friday, April 29 at Trailhead Park at 10 a.m.
•Easement agreements were approved to allow the storm water connection from Brownsville St. to Spring St. to move forward.
•Christian Collett and Autumn Collett were hired as volunteers for Preston EMS as recommended by ambulance director Ryan Throckmorton.
•The next city council meeting on April 18 will include the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization.
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