A quick-paced Village meeting, Tuesday, October 16, saw the council touch briefly on eight public works-related items and only one other item. Councilor Dennis Overland was absent from the meeting.
First up, Mayor Gordon Johnson detailed plans for protection of the Featherstone Farms watershed. According to Johnson, the organic vegetable and fruit farm has a large well and irrigation system and the Minnesota Department of Heath is forcing the farm to install safety mechanisms to prevent water flowing back. The mechanism is a large check valve. Featherstone Farms intends to place an eight by 12-foot shed on the south side of the property, where the well is located. The shed will be just 10 feet from an electrical box in order to provide heat to prevent the service from freezing.
No other discussion of the watershed was held.
The public works items were largely maintenance or certification items, but an update on the Benson Lane project noted that contractors still hope to begin construction prior to the end of the month. Public Works Supervisor Travis Scheck indicated the long-range weather for the project is predicted to cooperate with the project work.
The city will pay for renewal of Scheck’s certifications, required by the job. A look into past practices indicated the city did previously pay for former supervisor Bob Theriet’s certifications.
Scheck requested approval to purchase a number of maintenance-related items, including two brass wear rings and a handle on one of the pumps. They were recently serviced and quotes for the repairs are estimated at $730. Scheck indicated the pumps could be pulled and repairs made during an upcoming day of good weather.
“I think we should do it so we don’t have any problems later,” noted Councilor Chad Rasmussen.
The baffle inside the muffler on the 450-truck is also in need of replacement. While it’s drivable, Scheck indicated is is loud and causing a vibration. The council also unanimously approved the repair for the truck.
The reports by McCarthy Well have been completed, following inspection of two wells. Measurements and monitoring of water levels and a check on wiring and amperage were included.
Scheck has also requested the city service a public work’s metal detector. The current detector button is malfunctioning and needs to be serviced at a cost of $150. Chicago Steel will be doing the repair and assumedly recalibrating the detector. A new unit is in the range of $1,200.
Crushing of road rock is expected to begin shortly. Scheck noted the area has been short of crushers recently, but that the city should have it’s rock shed delivery made soon.
The Village had previously considered the purchase of a flashing speed limit sign sign from Fillmore County, but deemed the cost too high. The county has recently contacted the city regarding an available sign the Village can use, but county crews need to know where and when to place the sign. The council gave no specific direction, but it was suggested the entrance to the city on Highway 43, from the south, would be a good location.
The city may also contact signage companies regarding additional signage. “I’m not sure this is the year we try to acquire some of that,” noted Johnson. “I think it is something that brings people’s attention to the speed.”
The next regularly scheduled council meeting Tuesday, November 13, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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