At the July 15 meeting of the Preston City Council, City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton described the condition of Golfview Dr. and Windmill Rd. Mayor Kurt Reicks was absent.
When construction of the veterans home began, Golfview Dr. and Windmill Rd. were the only access to the future site of the home. Actually, at that time they were the primary access, and it was believed that they would be resurfaced as part of the construction process. But when additional state money was secured, it allowed for the construction of First Minnesota which is now the primary access and private entrance for the veterans home.
Knutson Construction, general contractor for the veterans home project, did do some patchwork on Golfview Dr. throughout construction.
Throckmorton described the condition of Golfview Dr. and Windmill Rd., which is poor. Stantec determined the condition was so deteriorated that seal coating maintenance would not be worth the cost of $20,000. They will require a full depth mill and overlay estimated to cost $299,250.
Golfview Dr. was built in 2001 without curb and gutter and its expected life was about 10 years, so it has exceeded its life expectancy based on the city’s assessment policy.
A letter was drafted and sent to the contractor to see if they would be willing to contribute to road repair. Reicks and city staff met with the contractor, Knutson, to discuss the road condition. The contractor did make an offer in the amount of $6,714.95 based on their estimates of additional patchwork needed, while not assuming any responsibility for any damages. This would be about 50% of their estimates of patchwork repair needed ($13,429.91). Throckmorton said the city didn’t propose any specific numbers. He added that the state couldn’t help fund repairs as Golfview Dr. and Windmill Rd. were outside of the veterans home project.
Knutson proposed the city send them an invoice in the amount offered with a letter that the city does not hold them accountable for damages. Councilman Charles Sparks stated they got more years out of the road than expected and it was starting to deteriorate before construction of the veterans home began. Councilman Steve Hall maintained they should accept the Knutson offer. The council approved a motion to accept Knutson’s contribution offer of $6,713.95 along with a letter that does not hold them responsible for any damages.
Throckmorton then reviewed the current street improvement reserves, as to how they will finance a full depth mill and overlay costing about $300,000. Reconstruction will likely not occur until next year.
Other Business in Brief
•The annual funding request from the Preston Historical Society in the amount of $3,000 was approved.
•Throckmorton noted that 40 permits for golf carts have been issued. Signs have been installed on the Veterans Home Trail.
•Mike Bubany, David Drown Associates, is scheduled to present and discuss the city’s capital plan at the next meeting.