Deer River City works for fence at Lundeen Field

Deer River City Council opened Monday’s meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer.

Approved the regular meeting minutes from the second meeting in June and the most recent work session minutes.

Approved bills for $96,193.80.

Richard Fieldsend, Deer River Public Works, requested a double-axle trailer to haul the skid loader. Fieldsend received $6,300 for a trailer he sold at the City’s auction earlier in the Spring. The purchase price for the trailer is $6,995. Council approved this purchase.

Fieldsend received a quote for a fence at Lundeen Field. The fence will prevent vehicles from driving off the parking lot to access the playground and pavilion. The fence will be four feet high with a gate and safety top. Fieldsend has quotes from the fencing companies in the area and has only received one from Keller Fence for $4,320. Council approved this purchase.

Fieldsend talked about some project updates. Comstock Drive has the curb and gutter installed. The sidewalk and driveway aprons should be completed by the end of the week. Paving may begin mid-week next week.

Fieldsend said the removals on Fourth Avenue Northeast started today with an estimated completion date of mid-August. The temporary water may go online tomorrow. The intersection at Fourth and First Street will be filled in by the end of the week.

Fieldsend explained the State requires a lead and copper survey in moving forward which should be completed by August.

Council asked Fieldsend to mow the right of way along the west side of Second Street Southeast. This is an area that has never been kept up by the City. Fieldsend said he will add this section to the mowing.

Councilwoman Sharon Geving requested the sidewalks and curbs be sprayed to kill the weeds on the south end of the City, which would include Fifth Street Southeast, Fifth Avenue Southeast, Fourth Street Southeast and Sixth Avenue Southeast.

Fieldsend has asked Casper Construction and Trout Enterprises for a quote on expanding the parking lot at Lundeen Field.

In addition, Fieldsend is working with the engineers, the State of Minnesota, and the liner installer to find a solution to the new pond liner problems. The line has developed bubbles under it lifting the liner. There are over 40 bubbles. Groundwater is suspected as the cause of the bubbles.

Council approved resolution 2024-13 approving the sale of three lots in the Aspenwood Addition.

Council approved Deer River City Mayor Steve Geving and Deer River City Administrator Mark Box to sign the purchase agreement for the Aspenwood lots.

Council approved the mayor and Box to sign the closing documents for the sale of the Aspenwood lots.

Box said the American Legion is willing to purchase flags to mount on the streetlight poles. The city council is in favor of getting the flags.