|
|
|
Council reviews plan for streets south of hospital |
|
|
|
Wednesday, 23 April 2008 |
Alice Pickering
Wyoming Reporter
Wyoming council members on April 15 accepted a feasibility study for street and utility improvements for 257th Street. City Engineer Mark Erichson presented the parts of the study for the area west of US-61 and north of Heims Lake.
An extension of Fairview Ave. south, past Meadows-on-Fairview, would connect to the new east-west street.
The study includes cost estimate, project budget and schedule, determination of benefited area, and proposed assessments. The proposed improvements include a new 32-foot wide urban street, storm sewer, water main, sanitary sewer, new lift station and improvements to the one on Fallbrook Ave., and a traffic signal the intersection of US-61, the existing entrance to Wyoming Elementary School.
Council reviewed the water, sewer, and storm water routes, easements for the area, lift station, and plans for the intersection improvements. The street extension would provide access to land-locked parcels north of Heims Lake.
Ultimately, the street will be the access to US-61 for the Xccent project which is to be developed south of the Fairview campus, east of the freeway.
Total estimated project cost is $2,966,560; with the city’s share $56,560. Erichson said parcels have been appraised. Any assessments would be based on the estimated increase in market value or benefit, to the property after improvements. Assessments are likely to be spread over 15 years.
A public hearing was set 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 6.
Other topics
A letter of commendation was presented to Wyoming Police Officer Trent Strandberg at. Acting Police Chief Scott Dexter made the presentation.
The commendation was the result of Strandberg’s patience and diligence in collecting and compiling “crucial evidence,” which resulted in the arrests related to drug sales and recovery of stolen property.
Council selected the firm of Abdo, Eick, and Meyers, LLP, to complete a utilities rate study for the city. Administrator Craig Mattson recommended Springsted, Inc. in part because of more direct experience with the firm.
Cost for the rate study is $9500.
Council gave approval to the use of money from the sale of revenue bonds in the city of Minneapolis to finance a project located in part of the city of Wyoming. As a legal requirement, each community where projects are being financed by their sale must hold a public hearing.
Steve Bjorkstrom of Fairview told the council that the approval will allow Fairview to generate bonds at a lower interest rate and help with debt restructuring, as Fairview expands.
This does not affect the city bond rating or its ability to issue its bonds. The vote was 4-0. Blake Tiedeman did not attend the meeting.
Council recommended that ceiling fans for the Giese Memorial Library be considered a budget item in 2009. Sheree Vincent, representing the Wyoming Area Library Society, made the request.
The city maintains the library building, including payment of utilities. Vincent’s appeal was that if the fans could be installed, there would be savings in the heating and cooling bills, as well improving comfort for patrons. The proposal for heavy-duty commercial fans, installed is $5336.
On questioning, Administrator Mattson said money for the fans is not in the city budget. Council member Joe Zerwas asked where the city would get the money if it was not a budgeted item. By consensus, council recommended the fans considered in 2009.
In the consent agenda, council approved the developers’ agreement between the city and Ebenezer Lake Senior Housing. The location is adjacent to Meadows-on-Fairview. The expansion will increase the number of senior housing units in the city of Wyoming.
Council also approved the purchase and installation of a Danfoss Variable Frequency Drive to replace starter on pump on city Well No. 1. E.H. Renner & Sons of Elk River is to complete the project. Cost to the city, after a rebate, will be $2525.
Interviews with potential police officers were relocated to the Giese Memorial Library during the annexation hearings. Council member Gary Menne expressed concern that few knew about the schedule change.
Dexter had forgotten to tell Administrator Mattson of the last-minute change. This is part of the police department effort to compile a list of eligible candidates in anticipation of adding new officers.
A memo from Mattson to council members announced re-keying of the city hall, so that only city staff members have keys. This is to insure that work stations are secure and to maintain security of city records and files. Menne was concerned that this had been done without council authorization and with little advance notice about the change.
Other business
In other business, the council:
•Based on the recommendation of Fire Chief Dennis Berry, approved the appointment of J.J. Hastings as training officer for the Wyoming Fire Department.
•Scheduled a special council meeting, 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, as a public hearing regarding a business subsidy agreement for Xccent, Inc.
•Approved a request for a grant of $5000 for the Lakes Area Youth Service Bureau for 2008. YSB provides services for youth in Wyoming as well as others in the Forest Lake District. Funds are to come from charitable gambling funds.
•Approved a contribution to the Wyoming Elementary School Parent Handbook/Calendar for the next school year. The amount is not to exceed $500.
•Received a letter of thanks from ISD 831 Community Education Youth Development for the city’s $10,000 contribution to the program.
•Scheduled a decision about the proposed sign ordinance until May 6.
|
|
|
