|
|
This portion of Second Avenue Southwest between state Highway 30 and 10th Street Southwest in Pipestone and the utilities beneath it could be replaced next year. The City Council has scheduled a public hearing about the project for Monday, Nov. 3. Photo by Kyle Kuphal
The Pipestone City Council will hold a public hearing during its regular meeting on Monday, Nov. 3 regarding a street and utility improvement project proposed for 2026 on Second Avenue Southwest from 10th Street Southwest to Seventh Street Southwest/state Highway 30.
According to the preliminary engineering report, the pavement on Second Avenue Southwest is generally in poor condition and there is no storm sewer between Eighth Street Southwest and 10th Street Southwest. There are also clay sanitary sewer pipes that are a known source of inflow and infiltration into the city’s sewer system, and some of the water service pipes in the area have been found to contain lead.
The proposed project would include removing existing pavement, curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveway aprons and public utilities; replacement of storm sewer, sanitary sewer, watermain and services; concrete curb and gutter, driveways and sidewalks; concrete pavement of the street; and turf restoration. The street would also be widened from about 30 feet to 36 feet.
The project is estimated to cost $2,193,391.20. Of that, $1,249,339.39 would be for the street, $460,620.80 would be for watermain, $366,561.60 would be for sanitary sewer and $116,869.41 would be for storm sewer.
The project would be financed and paid for with assessments, the tax levy and utility revenue. According to a preliminary assessment roll, the owners of 41 properties would be assessed a total of $374,801.80. Assessments would range from $6,768.09 to $19,552.26 with an average assessment of $9,141.51.
In other business:
•The Council authorized Assistant City Administrator/City Clerk Stephanie LaBrune to have temporary signing authority at First Bank and Trust while City Administrator Deb Nelson is on a leave of absence in order to sign checks and manage the city’s investment accounts. Delaney said Nelson’s leave is estimated to last until approximately Jan. 1, 2026. The Council also conducted a closed session to evaluate Nelson’s performance. LaBrune said a summary of Nelson’s evaluation will be presented at the Council’s next meeting on Oct. 20.
•Council members approved an updated law enforcement services agreement under which the city will pay the county $1,011,600 for law enforcement services in 2026. The five-year contract, which includes 2 percent increases each year, was previously approved by the Pipestone County Commissioners.
•Delaney proclaimed Oct. 13 Indigenous Peoples Day in Pipestone.