Motley taking steps to construct a well site east of Hwy 10
By Dawn Timbs
Staples World reporter
An update on the City of Motley’s water treatment plant project; and a look at potential well sites for the city were two items addressed at the regular city council meeting June 13.
Engineer Brian Guldan, with Bolton & Menk, Inc., Mankato, attended the meeting and provided updates on both items.
Regarding the water treatment plant, Guldan noted that the project was under budget $101,323.22. The council proceeded to approve a change order which reflected this savings.
The council also approved a final payment of $104,285.57 to DiMar Construction, for their work on the water treatment plant project. As noted by Guldan, DiMar Construction has provided the required closeout paperwork and completed the punchlist work items. They still have one current warranty item outstanding regarding seeding of the site. The seed has been purchased by DiMar and is being stored on city property with plans to seed in September.
Regarding the potential well sites, Guldan noted that Bolton & Menk, Inc. had developed a summary of potential well sites for the council to review. This information was based on the city’s previous research and test well results.
Guldan went on to say the city obtains water primarily from one well. It also has two emergency backup wells. However, if the main well is out, the other two do not have the capacity to provide the city’s needs.
Of the potential well site locations considered, Bolton & Menk eventually narrowed the list down to two, a decision based on cost and accessibility.
The total estimated cost for both well sites one and two is the same: $356,500. Guldan noted that the costs for a well and raw watermain work was included in the original overall project cost estimate for the water treatment improvements project.
After some discussion, the council voted to begin formal steps to construct a well on site two, located on the east side of Hwy 10. These steps include a survey site to confirm elevations and setback compliance; developing an easement/purchase agreement with landowners for well and watermain locations; securing MnDOT utility crossing permit; developing well construction plans; constructing the well; developing raw watermain connection plans; and constructing a raw watermain.
In other matters the council:
o APPROVED a request of RSBR Investments LLC to vacate a portion of the 20 ft. alley between Harrison and Curtis Streets on the east side of Hwy 10, contingent on their building a Dollar General Store as stated in their proposal. If they proceed as planned, the city will need a 25 ft. easement to the east of the building (running north and south) to access water and sewer.
o ACCEPTED a resolution supporting the hazard mitigation planning effort and adopting the Morrison County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan.
o APPROVED having the Motley Fire Department enter fire trucks in the Motley June Fest Parade June 18. Prior to their vote, the council expressed concern that they had not received a written request from the fire chief about this matter, nor was he present at the meeting to verbally make a request. They will expect a written request for future parades.
o HEARD monthly report from Police Chief Ron Smith, who noted that the MPD received 120 calls for service during May. He also noted that he was called out from his home seven times.
o APPROVED a motion to have a public hearing regarding a potential street restoration project involving Cimmaron Dr., Postel Dr. and Lil St.
o HEARD from Bruce Brotherton, public works supervisor, that the grand opening celebration for the skate park went very well. Nearly 100 people attended. “Thanks for all of your support,” Brotherton told the council.
o APPROVED having Brotherton take home a city vehicle at his discretion, just as the council previously approved Police Chief Smith taking home the second police vehicle.
o APPROVED donating $550 toward Motley Youth Swimming Lessons this summer at the Staples Community Center. In addition to lessons, children will be offered free bus rides to the community center.
o APPROVED a liquor license renewal for Y-Not Liquor.
o APPROVED a 3.2 on-sale liquor license for MC Ag Assn., pending a successful background check.
o DISCUSSED how to go about advertising for the clerk/treasurer position. Former clerk/treasurer Terri Smith’s last day was June 10. Council member Al Yoder felt it would be helpful to have someone with expertise look at the job description first before they place an ad in the paper. Council member Amy Hutchison noted that Anna Gruber from National Joint Powers Alliance and David Drown Associates have been working on this. Mayor Nancy Nieken suggested setting a special meeting in the near future to address this situation.
o SET next regular Planning & Zoning Commission meeting for Tuesday, June 28, 6:30 p.m.
o SET the next regular council meeting for Monday, July 11, 6:30 p.m.
