The green areas on the street map above show some of the 15 blocks slated for street and utility work next summer in Blue Earth.

The saying goes, ‘The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.’

For the city of Blue Earth, the first step of a 1,000 mile journey – a multi-million dollar street improvement project – is to review a feasibility report.

That is exactly what the City Council did at a meeting held on Monday, Oct. 3, when they voted to formally receive Bolton & Menk’s feasibility report for recommended 2023 street improvement projects.

The council also scheduled a public hearing on Monday, Dec. 5, allowing for public comment on the 15 blocks of proposed street improvements.

Recommended improvements concern Moore Street from Fourth Street to First Street, Galbraith Street from Third Street to First Street, Ramsey Street from Fifth Street to First Street, First Street from Ramsey Street to its east dead end, and Third Street from Main Street to Rice Street.

Following the improvements, the area north of Fifth Street, apart from Rice Street, would be entirely rehabilitated.

“We are essentially cleaning up that area, with the exception of Rice Street,” Bolton & Menk engineer Ben Rosol summarized. “Overall, all of the streets share similar characteristics. They are all in poor shape, and have running potholes and poor drainage.” 

Bolton & Menk estimates the recommended improvements will cost $4,754,600.55.

“This cost does account for a five percent contingency for unknowns,” Rosol added.

Council member Ann Hanna was concerned about entering into a new street improvement project, given the current economy.

“I’m wondering if we should wait a year,” she said. “I feel very badly to have assessments hit people when everything else is going up and up.”

Council member John Huisman and mayor Rick Scholtes countered, arguing it is important to keep up with the city’s street improvement schedule.

“My concern is, if you wait for prices to go down, and stabilize, you could end up waiting and waiting,” council member Dan Ristau agreed.

Scholtes suggested the city may fund the project up front and wait until the project is completed to bond.

“We’re looking into that, and seeing if we can play the interest game a little,” he explained.

City administrator Mary Kennedy added, “I’ll also remind you all of the nuances of how street funding works. This project won’t affect the 2023 budget at all. This won’t be paid in 2023 at all.” 

The council then voted unanimously to pass Resolution 22-25, formally receiving Bolton & Menk’s report and calling for a public hearing on Dec. 5.

Additionally, the council passed Resolution 22-24, documenting the council’s formal order of Bolton & Menk’s feasibility report.

The council also discussed the current 2022 street improvement project, which Rosol noted is nearing completion.

“There is about a week’s worth of work left to do, then we will be all done with the project,” he said.

Rosol said sod will be put down starting next week. The city’s contractor will water the new sod for the first 30 days after its installation.

Rosol informed the council letters have been sent out to residents who are receiving new sod. The letters inform them that they are eligible to sign up for sewer forgiveness.

“People who haven’t signed up to get their names down for that credit for their sewer bill should,” Scholtes said. “There is going to be some serious watering done.”

The letter will also allow residents to request tree replacements on their property, if they are eligible.

“There was a total of 83 trees that were removed due to this project,” Rosol explained. “It’s hard to track everyone down and make sure we don’t miss someone. We’ll have them reach out to us about whether they want a tree replaced. If that’s the case, we can work with them individually.” 

The council also approved several ordinances on Monday evening, one of which has been of great interest to the public.

After several months of back-and-forth, the council approved Ordinance 22-18 relating to the keeping of urban chickens on a 5-2 vote, with council members Russ Erichsrud and Ann Hanna in opposition.

The ordinance will redefine chickens as separate from other farm animals and allow Blue Earth residents to keep them within city limits if they follow the proper permitting process.

The council also approved Ordinance 22-17, authorizing the sale of city-owned property to G&S Drainage and Excavation for the amount of $3,000.

In other business, the Blue Earth City Council:

• Reviewed the proposed 2023 budgets for the Blue Earth Police Department, the Blue Earth Public Works Department and the Blue Earth Wastewater Treatment Plant during a worksession.

The police department wants to increase its budget by $169,183.83, or 19 percent, to accommodate the purchase of new body armor and hiring an additional full-time police officer.

“We’re looking at this as a proactive and progressive approach to hiring,” police chief Tom Fletcher explained, adding an additional officer will help alleviate current officers’ overtime work and allow officers time to take vacation and sick leave.

Meanwhile, the public works department wants to increase its budget by $387,890.73, or 26 percent, and the wastewater treatment plant wants to increase its budget by $492,764.14, or 28 percent.

• Approved a $4,500 contribution to the Faribault County Historical Society to relieve its utility expenses.

• Approved a $459.99 one-time sewer credit to residents Matt and Kiera Meyer to offset an unusually large sewer charge they received in June.

• Reimbursed residents Bob and Kay Bogan in the amount of $43.98 for fertilizer they purchased for a portion of their lawn which was reseeded by the city.

• Approved a variance request from Benjamin and Chelsey Gjere, which will allow them to build a fence along their property line.

• Approved Oak Knoll Neighborhood’s request to hold a neighborhood gathering at 305 Oak Knoll Court, Oct. 15, 3 to 11 p.m.