Long Beach City Council

By Mayor Mike Pfeiffer

Hello to all our residents in Long Beach MN and friends.  This month, we’re excited to share updates about our continuous efforts to enhance road safety and infrastructure, alongside the significant progress on our Community Hub project.  Our city has been buzzing with activity, from the bustling construction sites to the planning sessions ensuring every detail is accounted for.  Let’s dive into the details.

Roadwork Enhancements

Our roads are the arteries of Long Beach MN and keeping them in top shape is a priority.  This year, we’ve completed center line striping to improve lane separation and driving safety, a fundamental step towards a safer commute.  Additionally, the inner curve of the west loop on Dero Drive has been patched, smoothing out the ride for everyone.

Over on Oak Lane, the entire road has been replaced with new asphalt, providing a fresh and durable surface.  Game Farm Road has received a significant boost with loads of crushed rock improving its base and surface condition.

Looking ahead to fall, we have scheduled crack routing and sealing for Pelican Lake and N. Pelican Lake roads to further enhance their durability and safety.  We’ve also completed tree right-of-way clearing on N. Pelican, N. Ridge Dr, and Dero Dr, which will improve visibility and road safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.

A planned upgrade for S. Golf Course Road has been moved to next year to coincide with the replacement of Co Rd 54/N. Lakeshore Drive. This strategic timing will help us optimize resources and minimize disruption for our residents.

Community Hub Construction Progress

The excitement around the new Community Hub construction is palpable.  Starbuck Construction, our chosen general contractor, has kicked off the work, thanks to the first half of the payment completed from city reserves.  This effort is supported by a Capital Improvement Bond from Eagle Bank that will be secured next year when the project wraps up.

As we bid farewell to the old City Hall, all its contents were carefully packed and placed into a water-tight shipping container from TKI, preserving our history while making way for the new.  We’ve managed to salvage a wooden door, cedar trim, perennial plants, and an on-demand water heater from the old building to incorporate into the new Community Hub, blending the old with the new.

The site is buzzing as we prepare for demolition set to begin the week of September 9, following the completion of all service cutoffs.  In a bid to reduce our demolition landfill costs, materials such as windows, doors, old A/C and heater units, trim, and landscaping rock have been repurposed, offering them a second life elsewhere.

Behind the scenes, site surveys, building permits, and soil borings have been secured, ensuring everything is in place for the construction to proceed smoothly.  We are also making strides with sustainable initiatives, working closely with Xcel Energy and Starbuck Construction to enable our project to leverage energy rebates.  Furthermore, collaborations with West Central Initiative are underway to explore grant funding opportunities, EV charger feasibility, and the potential for rooftop solar on public buildings.

As these projects move forward, we remain committed to improving our city’s infrastructure and services, enhancing the quality of life in Long Beach MN.  We look forward to your continued support and engagement.  For more information or to leave comments, please visit our website at www.longbeachmn.com or connect with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/longbeachmn.

Together, we are paving the way towards a brighter, more connected Long Beach MN!