At the March 9 Peterson Council meeting, plans for a new welcome sign on the Root River State Bike Trail took a notable step forward. After months of discussion and seeking public input, the council had favorable comments about design options presented by Councilor Chris Stenzel.
Stenzel, like the other councilors, looked into options and early estimates for signs to suit the area. The council is planning a double-sided sign, but what to put on the sign and how it would be constructed have been less determined. At the meeting, Stenzel presented a quote from Art Sign Works, of Murrieta, Calif. The company specializes in carved, sandblasted and engraved wood, high-density urethane (HDU), and metal signs.
Stenzel’s quote was an HDU, two-sided sign, measuring roughly 48 by 72 inches, and included up to three or four colors, with up to seven allowed design revisions, plus the posts on which to mount the sign. It was noted the signs are two-inches thick, very heavy, and long-lasting. “The company has good reviews,” he added. The estimated cost is $3,000.
The council reviewed several sample shapes and stylings. The council had previously discussed a sign with “Welcome to Peterson” displayed on one side and a catchy Norwegian saying on the other, to match the city’s heritage and gnome-themed tourist fun. At the meeting, it was suggested the logo used for the city on its website and signs on Main Street banners may suit the sign better.
Eventually, the council centered on a dark, wood-edged sign with some texture on the surfaces. The option to showcase old Peterson school colors of maroon and gold was noted by coloring the sign maroon and using gold lettering. “I think a lot of people in town would like to see old Peterson school colors,” said City Clerk Chris Grindland.
“I like it. It really pops out at you,” said Stenzel. “It’s classy.”
“It really catches your eye,” added Councilor Gail Boyum, who favored consistency with color schemes.
“It’s a good idea, since we’re trying to go with traditions,” added Councilor Dave Colbenson. The city will seek a design proof with selected options before deciding further. It’s possible other designs may still be utilized. The public is encouraged to contact city hall with suggestions.
The Peterson Museum was successful in its raising of $60,000 for an annex to the building and the organizing group, Friends of Peterson, is now ready to prep for construction in 2021. Because the project is less than $175,000, the city does not need to seek closed bids, but can instead seek quotes. Group members, along with volunteer project architect Larry Malmin, have already met with one potential builder.
In new business, the council has again halted utility shutoff. Shutoffs, for non-payment, were waived last April because of the pandemic. The council considered reviewing accounts again and sending out letters for property owners, but instead decided to continue to waive them. “With the pandemic still going the way it is, do we want to hold off?” asked Mayor Tim Hallum. While it would be helpful to know if property owners are being directly affected by the pandemic, it’s impossible to know. Late fees will also be waived. “Let’s wait until normal… whenever normal is going to be.”
The council also approved providing dust control measures to two residents on the outskirts of town. The property owners receive no other city services, with the exception of garbage pick up. Because of this, the city has provided dust control for several years. “Let’s give them something more for their taxes,” noted Hallum.
Councilor Dave Colbenson added campground planning to the agenda. He suggested adding a few inlets for new campsites on the former football field area. “If we kept it full it could bring in business for downtown,” he said. “They really took a hit.”
Hallum explained that the city had previously considered adding campsites in the area, but that state requirements would force the need for larger restroom and shower facilities if the city expands past the current 10 sites. “Unless they’ve changed the rules and regulations, we’ve discussed several options over the years and that’s why we left it green space,” noted Hallum.
The option to work with the Department of Natural Resources to secure grant funding for a bathhouse was also noted. “It was just outrageous for all new showers, fixtures, and a new building. It got to be quite a bit of money,” added Hallum. “We’ve never frowned on additional camper sites for a weekend if they didn’t need hookups.” The council will continue to make other improvements at the campground, including ceasing use on a former road around the football field and a new sign.
In Public Works discussion, the council unanimously approved purchasing a rebuilt PumpX pump for the lift station. The current pump has broken several times this month, as well as several in January.
“Every time it breaks, they have to take it out,” said Public Works Director Rick Lee, noting a cost of $750-1,200 per visit to repair, depending on needs and time. “If we have trouble with the lift station filling up, if the pump fails, that’s not a good situation,” added Lee.
The new pump is $5,000, a savings of $3,000-4,000 over a brand new pump. Funds are set aside each year for maintenance and will cover the cost.
The city’s annual celebration, Gammel Dag Fest, June 26, is currently slated to happen. It was canceled last year. In addition, the Summer Music Series, in the city’s historic bandstand, currently has four outdoor concerts booked for this summer. July 18, Squeezebox, featuring Ted Lange and Mollie B., will play, July 25 Trouble Shooter is scheduled, August 1 Wayne and the Boys are featured, and August 8 the Rutabaga Brothers will finalize the season.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, April 14, at 6 p.m., at city hall.
The meeting is open to the public.
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