It’s been a long time in the works, but plans for the reconstruction of Highway 30 in Rushford are being finalized and the proposed start date for the project is just months away. Engineer Derek Olinger, of Bolton & Menk, presented a cooperative construction agreement from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) at the February 14 city council meeting.
Included in the agreement are details of responsibilities and cost sharing of both related to items such as utilities, lighting, landscaping, pavement marking, and land construction. According to Olinger, the preliminary plan was turned into the state in late November. The state-administered project is now advertised and bids will be opened later this month. The state will present details of the bidding to Bolton & Menk two to three weeks after. At this time, all costs are still based upon project estimates. These were updated in 2021 following rapid increase of costs due to the pandemic.
“All along we’ve been adding in values for inflation,” said Olinger. “We’re hearing they’re going up more than we were expecting them to. We’ve heard surfacing costs have gone up substantially. Prices for piping and fittings has gone up dramatically. Material cost is only a portion, but these costs have gone up and continue to go up.”
The council questioned Olinger on ill effects from possible materials delays and what happens if bid prices are substantially higher than expected. Engineers aren’t expecting any material delays at this time. Whether or not the project moves forward despite a big price tag though is all in the state’s hands.
“That was a question we had for MnDOT,” said Olinger. “If prices are outrageous, does the city have any say? No. That is one of their terms, that they make the decision on moving forward with the project or not. There is an out for both parties to terminate the contract, but the ball is very much in MnDOT’s court.”
Along with the cooperative agreement comes the authority of Mayor Terri Benson and City Clerk Kathy Zacher to sign off on certain project items. Typically, all change orders for projects come to the council for review at one of two monthly council meetings. That isn’t the case for state-led road projects. “MnDOT administers things differently. They’re not going to wait two weeks,” cautioned Olinger. “One question I had was how much are we going to know, so we’re not just gonna get a big bill. I intend to attend their project meetings and updates. As far as frequency of change orders, they do use them more. It will come up more frequently.”
“That’s what I don’t like… surprises,” noted Councilor Jim O’Donnell. There are added contingencies built into the project and as far as city-related items, engineers are comfortable with how the project will proceed.
“What was in this cooperative agreement was actually a little more favorable that I was expecting, at least on the city’s end,” stated Olinger. The council approved the agreement resolution and work order, for final plan approval and construction phase of engineering services, unanimously.
Additional discussion related to wayfinding signage during construction. According to Olinger, MnDOT is reviewing it, but he noted businesses will be required to have their own signage regarding entrance, parking, and changes during construction.
“My concern is the microsignage, particularly for local traffic and business parking,” said Councilor Sally Ryman. “There’s some things the city needs to work on with the businesses, such as employee parking. Some things need to be figured out ahead of time.”
As of right now, MnDOT is looking to being construction mid-April. Olinger noted the start date feels about two weeks too soon. Regardless, MnDOT is anticipating having the downtown portion of the project completed by June.
In other news, the council approved or was notified of a number of items including an updated Economic Development Authority economic plan for the city. Similar to the previous years’ plans, items such as downtown incentive programs, exploration of rental housing through a new housing study, and goals to tarket and market specific audiences are new this year. “Getting information from the public will be big as we work on this plan,” noted City Administrator Tony Chladek.
The council also continued discussion on the downtown flower baskets. The current vendor, local resident Roger Colbenson, has notified the city that the per basket price is set to increase $9 this year. The council is looking at other vendors and while they have been contacted, no other bids have been received yet. The Rushford Lions Club has agreed to do basket watering and maintenance for 2022. It’s anticipated that they will work again this year with Rushford-Peterson School District students completing community service hours.
The Conditional Use Permit for Well House Ministry, who purchased the former Rushford-Peterson School District facilities in downtown Rushford expires February 18. The permit was given February 18, 2020, on the condition of putting the property to specific uses. In notice given from the city, the uses include, “Religious Institution, Health & Medical Institution, Lodging or Boarding House within two years. The permit also states that is some of the uses are put in place, there would only be violations related to the uses NOT present of the property.”
The city has requested a report on the uses that Well House Ministry has been able to implement on the property to show it is in compliance with the permit. “If there are uses you have not been able to put in place, those used as listed in the permit would need to be revoked,” the notice continued. Should Well House Ministry wish to implement those uses, it will need to schedule and advertise a new public hearing to consider the request.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, February 28, at 6:30 p.m., at city hall. It is open to the public.
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