At the April 8 meeting, the Peterson City Council learned from Public Works Director Jeff Rein that the city could possibly be put at the start of the season for Dunn Blacktopping. A potential time frame is before May 15.
“We have some things that we want to discuss. It could be a good thing or a bad thing,” said Rein.
The county is has moved back its bridge reconstruction project on County Road 25/Main Street, at the intersection of Highway 16, to May 15 through November 10. However, there are issues to contend with. The entrance to the city will be one lane while the bridge project is underway and there’s concern that the blacktopping machine won’t fit in the lane. This and the new county start date seem to be the catalysts for getting the blacktopping done early.
Mayor Chris Stenzel questioned whether or not Public Works could talk to the county about the potholes on the bridge, which seem to have cropped up quickly. However, with the county moving the entire roadway through their project, it’s unlikely the city will get assistance. Rein stated he’d reached out to a county inspector already about it.
“I doubt they’ll put anything in there to be honest. It’s bad,” said Rein. “I don’t foresee them doing anything. If anything it would be on us to throw some cold mix in there, but you gotta remember that’s just all going to end up in the river when they demo it.”
Several on the council noted safety issues with motorcycles and bicycles and the excessive potholes. Rein will contact the county to discuss options.
Residents and business owners are reminded there are no mobilization costs for property owners wanting asphalt during the time Dunn Blacktopping is in the city. The cost of additional asphalt work is that of the property owner.
City Clerk Chris Grindland gave a summary of a recent Planning Commission meeting regarding a new campground proposal within the city. He noted it’s in the early coordination and pre-approval stages. If moved forward, the project would include 49 temporary recreational vehicle sites within the floodplain, relying on an evacuation plan and elevated permanent structures. Key issues being addressed include amending zoning to allow a campground as a conditional use, updating the floodplain ordinance, and coordinating with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Grindland noted DNR approval is the “crucial next step.” Preliminary utility discussion – water capacity, hydrants, electric, and sewer – are underway. A detailed site plan, developer agreement, and memorandum of understanding are still pending.
“No formal approvals have been granted and no costs have been committed by the city at this time,” stated Grindland.
A posted public meeting will be held before any approval is given to allow for citizen comments.
“Summary of the next big step: DNR approval for the floodplain ordinance. The step after that, is we work on conditional use parameters to add to that ag district to build a campground. Once those changes are made or drafted, a planning meeting, public meeting for citizen comment, city council review and approval, hopefully at the May meeting, would be the timeline.”
The council also reviewed details for the Community Economic Development Associates’ Rural Capacity Program kickoff. Grindland noted it was a program Councilor Gail Boyum applied for. The goal of the program is to drive economic revitalization in rural communities. According to the CEDA website, it includes up to 135 hours of technical assistance, provided by a state appropriated funding, along with up to $13,500 in grant funding to implement the program.
A public session with a CEDA representative is scheduled for Friday, April 17 at 1 pm at city hall. It will include participation from local stakeholders including the city council, Economic Development Authority members, businesses, and community representatives. The meeting is open to all. It is scheduled to take three hours at most.
In other news, the council did review waste collection proposals from Harter’s Quick Clean Up Service, who is the current provider, and Richard’s Sanitation. Waste Management did not submit a proposal. The two proposals received are similar. Harter’s comes in with the low bid at $19.75 for 65-gallon totes and $20.99 for 95-gallon totes, with recycling included. Richard’s offered a proposal of $21.89 for 65-gallon totes and $21.81 for 95-gallon totes, also with recycling included. The council opted to renew the Harter’s contract for an additional five years.
In related action, the council unanimously approved a $25 per month residential sanitation service fee to cover the monthly fees.
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