Glencoe City Council moves ahead with Lincoln Park plans

The Glencoe City Council approved going ahead with preparations for plans and specifications for the Lincoln Park public improvement project at its meeting Monday evening.
John Rodeberg, city engineer with Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc., (SEH), said estimated project costs total $6.36 million, down from the initial estimate of $6.47 million.
The project includes the reconstruction of the street surfaces and the replacement of deteriorating and undersized water and sewer lines on the 25-block area surrounding the park.
He said the city saved money on sidewalk costs as Seventh and Eighth streets in the east-west corridor will be 42 feet wide, and Ninth Street will be 39 feet wide.
In the north-south corridor, the streets will be 36 feet wide and will have no sidewalks, except for Desoto Avenue, which will have a sidewalk.
Rodeberg said assessments for the project are just over 22 percent of total project costs and exclude water and sanitary sewer costs.
He added that valuation totals of the properties are about 40 percent higher than what has been assessed.
Rodeberg encouraged the Council to order preparations for plans and specifications as soon as possible for a better bid environment. He said delaying the project will incur higher costs, as was seen in July of this year.
City Administrator Mark Larson agreed, and said the city also has to think about the state of Minnesota getting involved, which could also delay the project.
“We need their approval and storm sewer permits (for the streets abutting Highway 22),” Larson said.
Mayor Randy Wilson also agreed and said he felt the city did its “due diligence” in conducting public hearings and getting input from residents.

For more, see the Nov. 5 print edition of The Chronicle.