At the city council’s June 9 meeting, a resolution was adopted calling for a public hearing on a proposal for a five-year street reconstruction plan and the issuance of general obligation bonds to fund street reconstruction projects. The public hearing is to be held at the June 23 city council meeting. The street construction plan proposal covering the next five years includes the intent to issue and not to exceed approximately $6.1 million in General Obligation Street Reconstruction Bonds.
Councilor Mike Urban was absent.
Brian Burkholder addressed items related to the proposed street project. Approval was granted for Griffin Construction Co. to replace five hydrants, which are located within the proposed street project area, at a total cost of $64,775 including installation. Two hydrants were scheduled for replacement this year; with the replacement of all five hydrants in 2025, no hydrants will be replaced in 2026 and 2027.
Burkholder detailed the resetting, repair, or replacement of 35 catch basins by Griffin Construction Co. The cost for time and material for the work is not to exceed $50,000. Burkholder estimated curb and blacktop replacement on each side of the catch basins will cost an additional $10,500. The catch basin work was approved as presented.
Burkholder also described the need for culvert repair on the walking trail at Mill Creek Park. The walking trail has been collapsing on both sides due to the culvert being too short. The repair will include the replacement of two sections of eight-foot-wide trail with 10-foot-wide trail during the street project. A quote from JS Voeltz Trucking and Excavating in the amount of $4,964 was approved as recommended by the Park and Recreation Committee.
Other Business in Brief
• A resolution was adopted calling for a public hearing on the use of tax abatement and the issue of general obligation tax abatement bonds to finance retaining wall improvements. The public hearing is to be held on June 23 during the city council meeting. The property tax abatement will be used to finance up to $250,000 in costs for a retaining wall and Mill Creek parking lot and trail improvements. Thirteen tax parcels are proposed to be included.
• Steve Schlichter, wastewater treatment facility superintendent, provided two proposals to help determine need for future upgrades and to make decisions regarding facility upgrades. Councilors did not have an opportunity to review the proposals for facility plan completion. Councilor Paul Novotny reported the grant application has to be submitted by June 16. Approval was given for writing the grant application. Decision on the two proposals was tabled until the next council meeting.
• Approval was granted for the sale of the 2017 police squad at public auction.
• Alison Bentley reported the EDA approved a decrease in the price for the remaining lots on Enterprise Drive. Approval was granted to reduce the lot price from $2.99 per square foot to $1.99 per square foot.
• Bentley reported that the EDA approved an incentive program initially for eight Hilltop Estates lots. The city council approved the incentives, which included $10,000 cash to buyer at closing, $500 for six months of water and sewer fees, and water and sewer hook-up fees waived ($4,200), as recommended by the EDA. There could be up to $24,000 in total savings.
• Annual fire department fund drive donation in the amount of $7,105 was accepted.
• Darla Bushman was hired as the water aerobics instructor.
• A donation in the amount of $105 from Christine Quilters was accepted to be used for library capital purchases.
• City Administrator Michelle Peterson reported that the new population estimate for the city is 3,034.