11-14-2023 City Council Special Meeting Minutes

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Special Meeting City Council Minutes November 14, 2023 Page 2 of 4 ----------------------------- Mr. Spiczka then updated on the Lift Station/Forcemain projects and funding. Currently the City has secured $600,000 of grant money and the balance of the loan, anticipated at approximately $1,500,000, would be at low interest loan. A future system study was discussed with Mr. Houle and Mr. Spiczka on the ideas moving forward to determine what our systems can handle. That means if the City is adding a hotel, apartments, and potential NW area of 371/Co Rd 11, the study would determine the functionality of the current systems being able to withstand the amount of influx in use, such as the water tower, ponds, etc. 2.3. Parks Mr. Spiczka updates regarding the DNR Grant, they are still waiting for funding. As of current the money has been “earmarked” for our city but has not made it to the State yet. They are still optimistic to have the project completed in 2024. In the meantime, we are unable to spend any funds on this until we know the outcome of the grant money, or we would be considered ineligible. Right now, the funds are intended to be used for a picnic shelter and bathroom. Mr. Spiczka states we have applied for two tree grants. There have not been any further updates on the tree grant, aside from waiting on funding. But the unofficial word was this was going well. 2.4. Roads Updates on Nelson Rd include concerns from Ideal Township. In preliminary conversation, they are more concerned about drainage than our Council Members are. They are on board with doing something, but the hard part will be getting everyone on the same page. Coleman Dr, Mr. Spiczka states he is going to send a letter to residence there, because he hasn’t gotten a lot of feedback. We have a plan staked out regarding a new path possible that would eliminate some of the issues we currently have and wouldn’t be as steep coming up the hill. However, there have been mixed opinions about it. Regarding St Hwy 371/Co Rd 29, Crow Wing County and the State are coordinating to complete a study of the area, even sooner than what was proposed. Mr. Spiczka believed they are intending on installing “J turns” to eliminate cross traffic in the intersection, in 2028 or 2029. 2.5. Buildings Mr. Spiczka advises that Mr. Roy has been working with contractors getting estimates for the remodel and relocation of the Police Department to the downstairs space. The funding secured for the project requires the City to match it in order to get the money, up to $50,000. Mr. Roy says he is currently waiting on the contractors reply, but they were working hard on getting material numbers together.