Centerville Tidbits
Street Reconstruction Study Ahead
At its meeting of May 9, the Centerville City Council approved a $42,000 fee proposal put forth by Bonestroo Engineering to begin a feasibility study evaluating possible street reconstruction projects within the city over the next three years.
"This [will be] a relatively large street improvement [project], but we are in the very preliminary stages," said City Administrator Dallas Larson.
"[Bonestroo] will review all streets, decide what work they might need, and then put together a detailed cost estimate," he added.
Larson said that meetings with property owners regarding preliminary assessment estimates could happen as early as this fall, with a formal public hearing on the street reconstructions and assessments tentatively slated for late 2008.
Deck Request Turns Knotty
The property owner at 7323 Deer Pass got much more than he bargained for when he asked for permission to build a deck in his backyard.
It turns out that a fence and shed installed by a previous owner of the property jut into designated wetlands, and the council passed a motion directing him to move both the fence and shed.
Once the fence and shed are moved, the property owner can begin construction of his deck.
However, the size of his back yard will be significantly reduced.
New Trucks For Public Works
The council passed a motion directing staff to replace two public works trucks with new trucks.
The city will trade in two 2005 Chevy trucks to Elk River Ford for $17,500 per truck, and will purchase two new 2008 Ford F250 trucks for $22,640 per truck.
"[The trade-ins are part] of a capital replacement schedule, and we decided to stay with it and rotate two vehicles out," said City Administrator Dallas Larson.
CSAH 14 Construction Observation OK'd
The council approved a $55,428 fee proposal put forth by Bonestroo Engineering to observe and inspect the improvements being made along County Highway 14.
"The city has to inspect the utility construction part of the [improvements]," which include the installation of water main pipes, said City Administrator Dallas Larson, "but we don't have staff that has the time or expertise to provide that inspection."
Fairview Street Improvement Bid Awarded
The council awarded the bid for the Fairview Street improvement project to Gustafson Excavating, Inc. of North Branch, for the total of $218,721.25.
"[The project] is primarily street paving, a little bit of storm sewer [installation], and a right turn lane from County Road 54," said City Administrator Dallas Larson.
Bids ranged from Gustafson's low bid up to $314,406.71, a bid made by Astech Corp.
In other action, the council:
. Approved funding the renovation of the monument sign area at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park in an amount not to exceed $500. The project, which would be undertaken by area Eagle Scouts, will require final approval by the Eagle Scout Board.
. Approved a skateboard competition at Laurie LaMotte Memorial Park Skatepark to be held on June 16, with June 23 being the alternate rain date. The competition is being organized by Ollie & Co., which owns an indoor skatepark in Ham Lake.
. Approved an encroachment agreement with Mr. and Mrs. Walter Mehsikomer for property at 1890 Center Street. Th e Mehsikomer's have landscaping and fencing that encroaches on city property, but the city granted permission for them to keep the landscaping and fencing where they currently are.
. Accepted the resignation of Planning & Zoning Commission Member Bob Wright, Jr.
. Approved the purchase of a Bobcat Skidloader attachment for the amount of $3,640.
. Approved the proposal made by LaCompany Reenactment Group for performances during Fête des Lacs. LaCompany will be paid $350 a day, and is expected to perform for two days during the festival.
. Approved sponsorship of the Redevelopment Grant Program (DEED) Submission. City Administrator Dallas Larson said that passing this motion was "just a formality" that needed to be taken care of since Centerville was awarded a grant from the program.