Safe Routes Project Fully Funded and Approved
- Trinity Gruenberg
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
by Trinity Gruenberg
The Verndale City Council held their regular meeting on Monday, April 14. Nick Scholer was absent.
Safe Routes to School
Ryan Odden of Moore Engineering reported that Ideal Construction submitted the lowest bid, $436,237.79, out of seven bidders, slightly higher than the engineer’s original estimate.
MnDOT increased the grant funding from $409,000 to $436,237.79 to cover almost the entire project cost. The city will pay the remaining cost.
The contractor plans to start work as soon as contracts are finalized, potentially prioritizing the east side of Brown Street to minimize disruption near the school during school hours.
The city council unanimously approved the grant agreement and the contract with Ideal Construction.
A kick-off meeting will be held once the paperwork has been submitted to the state and the contract approved.
Maintenance Report
Matt Uselman discussed the potential purchase of a one-acre land parcel next to the existing water treatment plant for future well expansion. The city currently has enough land for wells to last approximately 50 years. They can drill one more well on the current property, which would also help safeguard the current well. The land purchase would cost $25,000, with the seller covering closing costs.
Resident Lisa Randall opposed the city purchasing land if the cost would fall on residents, expressing concern over rising water bills. She shared her struggle with frozen water lines, which she said were due to improper installation. Public Works explained it costs $50 per half-hour to unthaw lines, usually taking about three hours. Mayor Tara Erckenbrack suggested using a washing machine’s delay setting to run water overnight as a solution. Randall emphasized the city should ensure funds are available before buying the land....
