Plans for proposed construction project ordered

by April Scheinoha Reporter The warmer weather may remind residents that construction season will soon be here. To that end, the Thief River Falls City Council ordered plans and specifications for the 2024 Street and Utilities Improvement Project at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20. The proposed project includes: • First Street reconstruction and utility improvements from Highway 59 to the railroad tracks west of Conley Avenue • The construction of an eight-foot multi-use trail along First Street from the railroad tracks west of Conley Avenue to Highway 59 (if the city receives a federal Carbon Reduction Initiative Grant for that purpose). • Improvements to 13th Street and underground utilities from Highway 32 to the railroad tracks west of Greenhill Drive • Improvements to Kendall Avenue and utilities from First to Third streets • Improvements to Crocker Avenue North and underground utilities from First to Mussey streets If the council approves the proposed project in its entirety, it is expected to cost an estimated $4.7 million. That decision may be made at the council meeting Tuesday, April 2. The council may also call for bids at that time. Prior to ordering the plans and specifications, the council held a public hearing about the proposed project. Jillian Neibaur, who lives along Kendall Avenue, asked about the proposed costs of the project. Public Works Director Travis Giffen explained that property owners are assessed based on their property frontage. The city pays 40% of the cost for street improvements with property owners on either side of the street each paying 30%. For sidewalks, property owners are assessed 80% while the city pays 20%. Property owners pay 100% of the cost for driveway approaches. All of these percentages are based on city policy. Neibaur also asked about the time frame to pay the assessment. Another public hearing will be held in the fall after the project has been completed, said Giffen, who noted property owners would have a chance to voice any concerns at that time. After that hearing, the council would determine whether to set the costs for the project. City Administrator Angie Philipp said property owners have 12 years to pay the full cost. Interest is generally 1% over the true interest cost of the bond. Philipp said true interest on the last city bonds were in the range of 3 to 3.5%. Luella Solberg, who lives along Kendall Avenue, asked about the removal of trees along Kendall Avenue since the roadway will be widened. Giffen replied that most of those trees are located in the right-of-way and will be removed at no cost to the adjacent property owners. Some smaller trees may remain in place. He noted tree removal depends on whether the construction project impacts the tree’s root system. The removed trees will be replaced. If a tree needs to be removed on an individual’s property, that individual would be responsible for the cost. Solberg also asked about reconnecting to city water services after the utilities have been improved. She noted her brother, who lives along Markley Avenue, had to pay a plumber to reconnect to city water after that roadway was widened. Giffen replied the property owners would have to utilize a plumber for such services and pay the plumber separately. The proposed multi-use trail also drew some attention. Glen Kajewski, representing Bike Thief River Falls, spoke in favor of those proposed improvements. He noted the city initially talked about a 10-foot multi-use trail. However, he noted an eight-foot multi-use trail would be a nice improvement since it would be wider than the current sidewalk, which has some areas of disrepair. If that portion of the project moves forward, the multi-use trail would be constructed at the same location of the current sidewalk.