Main Street sidewalk work, industrial‑park road needs and ITD Highway 30 agreement discussed; city eyes bids and financing timing

Public‑works staff told the council that contractor work on a Main Street sidewalk project is starting this week, primarily on the north side from First East to Third East, and noted some curb‑and‑gutter sections will be required. Staff said they are calling residents along the route to notify them of the work and will produce a traffic‑control plan for areas with school and bus impacts.

Council and staff also reviewed maintenance and upgrade needs at the city’s industrial park, where most roads are unpaved and dust abatement or surfacing (gravel, millings or other treatments) will be needed. Staff identified eight leases in the park that are coming due and said the city currently generates about $40,000 a year in rental income from industrial‑park leases. Staff will provide cost estimates for crushed‑asphalt (milling) and a product called "macro" (dust‑control) for comparison in the coming weeks.

Separately, staff updated the council on an agreement tied to Highway 30 improvements (referred to in meeting documents as the ITD/Highway 30 agreement). Staff negotiated reducing the city’s financial exposure from an initial figure discussed earlier down to an engineer’s estimate of $2,239,000 tied to the design; the agency declined the city’s request to cap its contribution at $2.5 million. Staff said the city cannot provide a funding check until the council’s fiscal year begins Oct. 1 and proposed scheduling a short meeting with the agency to resolve timing and scope questions prior to the October bid schedule. The agency intends to put the project out to bid in October; staff recommended the council seek a brief meeting to align on the funding checkpoint so bid packages can proceed.

Council members asked staff to collect firm cost comparisons for industrial‑park road surfacing (gravel, millings, dust abatement chemical) and to coordinate with the school transportation department on any Main Street traffic impacts during construction. Staff said they will return with cost estimates and a recommended approach for industrial‑park road work.