November 4, 2024, City Council Public Hearing Meeting Minutes – 5th Ave West

A Public Hearing Meeting of the City Council of the City of International Falls, Minnesota, was held in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building on the 4th day of November 2024 at the hour of 5:00 P.M.

MEMBERS PRESENT:       Mayor Droba, and Councilors Buller, Holden, and Wegner

MEMBERS ABSENT:         Councilor Kalar

STAFF PRESENT:              Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator

Ted Brokaw, Director of Public Works

Jason Fisher, City Engineer, Bolten & Menk, Inc

Lisa Riggs, Deputy City Administrator

Chelsea Nelson, City Attorney

OTHERS PRESENT:          Gary & Theres Anderson, Lois Lundin, Julia Havluck, Justin O’Bert, and Brian Urban                                        

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

  1. Introductory comments and explanation of purpose for public hearing
    1. Mayor Droba
    2. Jason Fisher, City Engineer, Bolton & Menk, Inc
    3. Ted Brokaw, Director of Public Works
  2. City Council questions/comments.
  3. Public input/questions/comments.
  4. Close the public hearing.
Introductory comments and explanation of purpose for public hearing, Mayor Droba Mayor Droba explained the public hearing was being held to act upon the proposed assessment of the cost of improvements for the 5th Avenue West project.
   
Jason Fisher, Bolton & Menk, Inc Jason Fisher, Bolton & Menk, Inc stated the bituminous paving was completed on the 5th Avenue West project between 19th Street and 20th Street.  With this meeting being the final step in the process by holding a Public Hearing on the proposed assessment.  Fisher stated the quote came in much lower than the original estimate.
   
Public input/questions/comments Brian Urban, 1912 5th Avenue West stated the following concerns:

1.      Requested a breakdown of the total cost of the project in the amount of $52,200.00.

2.      Asked if the 10th Avenue repairs were deducted from the total bill from the contractor.

3.      Manhole cover at the intersection of 19th Street and 5th Avenue.

4.      Asked what the weight classification is for 5th Avenue.

5.      Damage to the road from the water haulers due to the 17th Street detour.

6.      Driveways not connected to the street/avenue with bituminous paving.

7.      Street was not cleaned after the fire hydrants were replaced.

8.      Damage on the east side of 20th Street next to Anderson’s driveway.

9.      Grader damage to road.

10.  5th Avenue and 20th Street still is a racetrack even though it has been paved.

 

Mayor Droba thanked Mr. Urban for bringing his concerns to the public hearing.  Droba stated he will be removing the 5th Avenue West proposed assessment from the City Council meeting scheduled after the Public Hearing to give Jason Fisher, City Engineer and Ted Brokaw, Director of Public Works time to get the requested information to residents affected in the assessment.  Mayor Droba also stated he would contact Police Chief Kostiuk to monitor the area to address the concerns Mr. Urban stated.
   
City Council comments None.
   
ADJOURNMENT Mayor Droba adjourned the meeting at 5:16 P.M.

                                                                       

Harley M. Droba, Mayor

ATTEST:

                                                                       

Betty Bergstrom, City Administrator

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