The Chatfield City Council breezed through a light agenda at their June 11 meeting.
City Engineer Matt Mohs explained that the final lift/wear course on Enterprise Dr. will be completed by the end of June. The fourth pay estimate to Edge Contracting, Inc. in the amount of $137,641.55 was approved. There is a 5% retainage in the amount of $30,579.29. The project at this point is considered 80% completed.
Candidate Tom Trehus
Trehus introduced himself and announced his candidacy for the Minnesota House of Representatives, District 28B, which includes Fillmore and Houston Counties. Trehus made a run for the seat in 2016 and currently serves on the Spring Grove school board.
As part of local government, he said he recognizes the importance of direct contact with state officials. He referred to himself as a fifth generation farm kid. The Spring Grove 28-year-old feels new leadership is needed to legislate a plan for the future, generations down the road.
Local government aid is at levels that are 49% lower than in 2002. Trehus insisted we have to do better for our small towns. A transportation bill is needed; there has not been one in 10 years.
Trehus said he wants to hear from you, adding, “Opening communication between you and me is a good thing.”
Other business in brief
• Brian Burkholder, Public Works, recommended approval of the purchase of a replacement 72-inch mower from SEMA Equipment, Inc. With the trade of the 2014 John Deere mower (1,226 hours), the 2018 mower purchase was approved through the government discount program at a cost of $15,686.86. Burkholder explained the plan is to replace the mower on a four-year rotation. The mower comes with a two-year unlimited warranty; an additional two-year warranty was purchased at a cost of $850.
• Approval was given for a $2,000 payment to the Bluff Country Hiking Club to help with annual costs associated with the Lost Creek Hiking Trail.
• The Court Data Services Agreement with the state of Minnesota was approved.
• A maintenance agreement with Olmsted County was approved for the period between July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. It provides for the maintenance of streets at a set rate per hour (like snow removal and blading) when requested.
• The Committee of the Whole met to discuss the Highway 52 (mill and overlay) project. During this design process there are questions from MnDot about trees and the concrete boulevard in the two blocks north of the stop light and lighting of the downtown area. Mayor Russ Smith was pleased that MnDot let the city have input into the process.