Starbuck council discusses road issues from 2020 street project
News | Published on July 18, 2022 at 11:46am CDT
By Kris Goracke
Road issues from the 2020 Road Project and possible road construction were two of the main topics discussed at the July regular Starbuck City Council meeting. Larry VanHout from Widseth appeared before the council with an update regarding the issues with the 2020 Road Project. First on Van Hout’s list was the pavers which are currently crumbling.
“I spoke with MnDot regarding the pavers, and it will be $100,000 to replace them. Other options discussed were to replace the pavers with concrete only for $49,000, concrete with color for $59,500, or stamped concrete for $66,000. MnDot has agreed to replace the pavers with concrete only, any other decision would be at the cost of the city.” In addition, it is estimated to cost $22,750 to remove the pavers. Van Hout indicated that to save this cost, MnDot would provide some help to the city workers to pull out the pavers. The cost of the original pavers is already part of the 2020 project and, although the pavers need to be replaced, there will be no deduction on the final bill for the crumbling pavers.
“You would think MnDot would stand behind their work,” said council member Chris Taffe. “They now recommend poured concrete, but how do we know this will work?” After some discussion, the council decided to explore the topic at a work session. The second issue of the 2020 Road Project concerned the sidewalk repair by Casey’s and Peddler Dan’s. MnDot has agreed to repair the sidewalk by Peddler Dan’s at the cost of $2,600, but not in front of Casey’s which has a price tag of $8.500. No decision was made on the sidewalk.
The other road project involves a potential paving project on Broadway/Pope/Tiegen Streets. “Our cost estimate for this project is $736,000,” said Nick Koos, who is also from Widseth. “We would widen the road from 24’ to 36’, add curb and gutter and we assume a storm sewer will need to be put in place.” Council member Steve Gorder asked if that cost included removal of the present road to which Koos said yes, excavating is included. The council decided to discuss this topic further at a work meeting.
Mayor Gary Swenson gave an update on the city airport stating the city is trying to get a garage at the airport to house a courtesy car, as well as bikes. “The cement has been poured, but that is all we have right now. We have had a few businesses donate for the garage and are hoping we are able to have the garage without a cost to the city.”
Randy Peterson reported to the council regarding the city’s water tower. “Great Plains inspected the water towers and recommended resealing,” he said. The estimate for the tall water tower is $91,000 and little tower $55,100. Peterson also suggested to the council it is time to replace the service pumps to the water towers. “The ones we have just aren’t big enough and so are running at high intensity all the time, he said. The estimated total cost for this is over $100,000. City clerk Joan Kerkvliet did say the city has $140,000 from the American Rescue Plan Money which could be used for this project. No action was taken.
In other business, the council:
•Approved Resolution #2022-13 – Approved gambling permit for Pull tabs/E-tabs to be sold at The Tavern, owned by Mary and Wendy Quinn, by the Cyrus Fire Department Relief Association.
•Approved Resolution #2022-14 – Approved Toward Zero Death grant agreement
•Discussed the revised lease for the Environmental Drop Site for Pope/Douglas Joint Solid Waste Management Board.Gorder motioned to accept the lease upon a completed survey. Motion passed.
•Discussed the remodeling of the bathrooms and showers in Hobo Park Office. “The bathrooms and showers need to be redone,” said Kerkvliet, “We need to first get quotes and go from there.”
“Are there funds in the Hobo Park account to cover this cost?” asked council member Jill Hanson. “Yes, we do,” replied Kerkvliet.
•Approved the variance request for a new home on parcel #27-06360247/#27-0636006 on 28916 South Shore Drive in Starbuck.
•Approved a donation of $500 to Minnewaska Lakes Association from Hobo Park.
•Approved resolution #2022-15 – Donations from the Gladys Brang Foundation. The donations are for the following:
–Beach Supervisor $1,000
–Night to Unite $1,500
–Safety Camp $1,200
–Bike Rodeo $1,000
–Softball field fence $3,000
–Six trees $500
–Water tank and trailer $750
•Approved election judges for the August 9, 2022, primary elections.
•Approved a request for porta potties for the car show and craft show, both to be at the city park this August.
The next regular city council meeting is Monday, August 8.
