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The city of Pipestone is considering street and utility improvements on Second Avenue Southwest from state Highway 30 to 10th Street Southwest, which is shown here. If it proceeds, the project would be done in 2026. Photo by Kyle Kuphal
The Pipestone City Council during its July 7 meeting took action on two improvement projects.
It first voted to order a report on proposed improvements to the street and utilities on Second Avenue Southwest from state Highway 30 to 10th Street Southwest. The report would include whether the improvements are necessary, cost-effective and feasible; if they should be done as proposed or in connection with some other improvement; the estimated cost of the improvements as proposed; and the description of the methodology used to calculate individual assessments for affected parcels.
The project was previously discussed by the city’s utility committee and, if it proceeds, would be done in 2026.
Councilor Scott Swanson said the street has been identified as being in need of repairs and that the utilities are older. He said the road is also narrow and doesn’t have the curbs and gutters that other parts of the city have.
The second project the City Council took action on was approving plans and specifications, and seeking of bids for the Safe Routes to School project that would add a sidewalk along Fourth Street Northwest from North Hiawatha Avenue to Eighth Avenue Northwest, and along Eighth Avenue Northwest from Second Street Northwest to 68th Avenue. The city of Pipestone was awarded an $806,920 SRTS grant last year for that project. Bids for the project will be opened at the City Council’s Aug. 4 meeting.
In other business:
•The Council approved setting a term of 10 years and an interest rate of 5 percent for assessments for the 2023 street and utility improvement project. City Administrator Deb Nelson said updated assessment notices will be sent out to residents and a public hearing will be scheduled later this year.
•The Council scheduled a public hearing during its July 21 meeting to take input on the city’s 2026 budget.