The Village Council voted unanimously Tuesday, October 4 to resubmit a Homeland Security and Emergency Management damage and impact assessment report following torrential rains the week of September 21. Photos and detailed information of mudslides, washouts, and other losses was documented and the report was submitted. However, City Clerk Mary Miner noted that assessment for Benson Lane was missed.
The road has been a heavily discussed issue for the council, serving just one residence, but having a “Missouri crossing” over the roadway. The city and its engineers have had discussion with the Department of Natural Resources over the location. Initially, it appeared the city would need to install a bridge or large culverts to replace, not repair, the crossing. A glaring financial obstacle for the city, a project of that size would have likely exceeded the $100,000 mark. The DNR later backed off the idea due to financial constraint to the city.
After the storms, photos show some extreme washing and at least one photo showed a non-functioning culvert on the Lane crossing. The council had considered resubmitting the report with a $100,000 damage amount for their report, but eventually settled on submitting $200,000. “I’m not privy to all the damages, but what I hear with Benson Lane and the cost to replace it, $100,000 seems pretty light,” stated Bolton and Menk Engineer Josh Pope.
The report also encompassed a number of other damages. It was estimated that the rains took more than 50% of the crushed rock off of roads. The city has spent $36,000 this year in rock. Discussion for options included the use of gabion baskets to help hold areas, but it was noted by Pope that conceptually, they do not come cheap.
“We don’t want to overestimate,” said Mayor Gordon Johnson. “I think we’re usually exceptionally conservative.” The report will be submitted to Fillmore County for review. The county will be looking at the numbers to see if there’s any funding availability from the state or FEMA.
Engineer Pope also discussed with the council the progress of the street improvement project happening within the city. “I’m happy to report the rains didn’t affect the project.” McHugh is doing restoration on the streets following paving the previous week. “We’re very happy the work is being done here finally and we’re happy to be seeing the finish line.”
Pope did acknowledge that there have been some complaints and comments from residents. Those items will be handled by the engineer personally.
McHugh will not at this time be granted any extension on the project. They had requested an extension to October 25, but hadn’t submitted the required supporting data with the request. According to Pope, the contract states the contractor can request an extension, in writing and with supporting evidence documentation, but must provide the documentation within 15 days of the request. “Fifteen days is today. We’ve received nothing,” said Pope. The request is denied and the contractor will be receiving a formal letter from Bolton and Menk stating such. “If they don’t provide it, we’ll start hitting them with liquidated damages,” added Pope. Per the contract, liquidated damages amount to $850 per day every day after the September 17 substantial completion date.
The city council also voted to approve a $4,476.09 payment to pay off the sewer loan. The council was aware that while this has completed the loan, new projects will be initiated and the council will need to consider how to make new projects sustainable. “We need to have something to build with,” added Mayor Johnson.
The council also noted that its agreement with the City of Rushford ends within the next few years. “We need to know what they’re looking at and when they’re looking at doing it,” stated Councilor Dennis Overland. City Treasurer Judy Graham and Clerk Mary Miner will look to gather plan and number information to present at a later date to the council.
The council further debated the issue of an existing Interim Use Permit and Bare Land Lease to Featherstone Farms. The issue was discussed at several previous meetings. The contract with the Consumer Supported Agriculture company for three acres of city land automatically renews October 15 unless both parties agree to terminate early in favor of reworking the deal. According to Mayor Johnson, owner/operator Jack Heddin had mentioned a rent reduction, although no further information was brought to the council. Heddin had also expressed some concern over investments in the land without assurances of lease renewal, but it’s unclear to the council exactly what improvement or investment Heddin wants to do.
City Attorney Tom Manion noted that it is likely a sort of capital project and that the city would need to know more. He suggested the Planning and Zoning Commission review the matter. Zoning Administrator Jon Pettit indicated that zoning may need to be changed. “It’s already modified with OSHA. We need something in our comprehensive plan that deals with interim or migrant workers.” It was suggested that Planning and Zoning bring something back to the council that isn’t specific to Featherstone, but that would clearly define the parameters for the company.
“He’s now subleasing some of the land he does have. Do we consider putting it back in grass and letting it be a park?” asked Johnson. “It’s three acres. The rent is immaterial and doesn’t amount to a lot. I’m just kicking the tires here.”
“If we’re going to continue to rent the land, we should open it up for bids,” noted Councilor Overland. The city did open it for bids the last time and no other bids were received.
“We don’t want to create a hardship,” added Johnson. “There’s a fair amount of land in rotation.” The agreement will continue as planned for the year.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Tuesday, October 18, at 7 p.m., at the Village Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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