Alice Pickering
Area Reporter

A formal name is now on the books for the trotter’s race track now under construction in Columbus.

During a visit from track officials on Wednesday, July 25, the Columbus City Council was given the news.

Running Aces Harness Park is the track’s name, according to Tom Fox of the North Metro Harness Racing. Fox attended the meeting to present information about the landscaping for the harness race track and its facilities.

The council also learned that construction on the track is moving faster than anticipated. Fox indicated that because of the dry weather, the track is about four weeks ahead of schedule.

Construction costs are down a little because materials costs are down, Fox said.

The update of landscaping for the North Metro Harness Racetrack was approved by the city council on a 5-0 vote.

Engineering report

Columbus City Council also voted 5-0 to accept the bid of C.W. Houle, Inc. of $3,226,887.40 for water and sewer projects in the city.

City Engineer Larry Bohrer recommended approval. It was the lowest bit submitted. A $3.7 million cost was estimated in the feasibility study.

Bohrer told the council that the emergency generator purchase is not available to the city on the state purchasing contract. Specifications for the generator are to include the motor, hitch, switch gear. He estimated $40,000 to $50,000 for the generator.

The generator could also be used for any of the seven lift stations or three wells. The city may eventually need two generators, according to Bohrer. By a 5-0 vote the council authorized advertising for quotes, cost not to exceed $5000.

Funding for interchange improvement at I-35/TH-97 may come in part from three federal sources, Bohrer said. Applications require letters of support for the project and commitment of funding from involved counties as well as MNDOT.

He said the lobbying effort needs to begin in January 2008 to secure funding for 2009.

He recommended contact with the Minnesota Transportation Alliance, in particular requesting the help of lobbyists. Projects of this sort require broad support from county, state and federal levels. He recommended completing the federal application first.

He will place City Administrator Elizabeth Mursko in contact with a lobbyist whom he believes can be particularly helpful to the city.

Bohrer reviewed a series of proposed changes in the Rice Creek Watershed rules. Most of those proposed were basically acceptable to the council except one related to redevelopment and activity which disturbs the land.

Currently the permit requires a $5000 cash deposit and a letter of credit. The proposed change would increase this to $10,000 and the letter of credit Council recommendation is no change of rule related to this issue.

During the open forum July 25, Dan Lange, 1523 Hornsby, asked for a solution to problems with the two right-turn lanes from the freeway off-ramp to TH-97. Residents are not able to gain access to 97 easily.

Mursko explained improvements to the intersection are incremental.

Council member Renae Fry added that the project is not one directly controlled by Columbus. Because the intersection involves an interstate and state highway (TH-97), the city, county, state, and federal officials are working together on the project.

Gary Pike and Lon Hollister of Encomm Midwest, expressed disagreements between the city and the company about the development of a well and well house. Bohrer did not believe the well was complete until February. Pike and Hollister claim work and tests were completed Jan. 9, 2007.

Attorney Bill Griffith told the pair that if there is a dispute about the facts, there can be a compromise. Pike and Hollister are to forward copies of their documentation to Mursko so all officials get the information.

Some of the opposition to the interim use permit issued to Marta Bradshaw was related to what some felt were promises made by newly elected council members to lower or at least maintain residential property taxes, partially by relegating businesses to areas nearer the freeway corridor. Now, businesses are being interim use permits to operate in residential areas.

Other business

In other business, council:

•Voted to have Bohrer review the proposed MPCA rule changes in light of their impact on Columbus.

•Unanimously approved an easement agreement for Well 2 and Well 3.

•Unanimously approved the plow rental agreement with Anoka County. The equipment is used to help control the spread of oak wilt disease.

•Provided input to Mursko about their availability for budget planning meetings in August.

Top of Page