Council approves sale of city lot, easement, housing study and recycled-materials contract

The Common Council voted unanimously on routine consent business on Feb. 18, approving the sale of a city-owned lot, granting an easement, contracting for a housing needs assessment and awarding a recycled-materials contract.

The council approved putting the property at 1127 Grand Avenue — the former grocery-store site — up for sale with a minimum bid of $350 after hearing from planning staff that no objections had been received. Councilor Terry Olsen asked whether the adjacent resident intended to purchase the parcel; staff confirmed the nearby resident had expressed interest.

Council members approved a request from “Superior Water Light Empowers” for an easement on Lot 1 of Winter Street Industrial Park. The easement vote was taken on the consent agenda; no discussion was recorded.

The council also authorized a contract with Maxfield Research Inc. to perform a housing needs assessment at a cost of $8,500 plus travel expenses. Councilor Olson asked about travel costs; staff estimated travel would likely involve a “couple of people, a few trips” and put travel at roughly $1,000. Councilors discussed that the study would cover rental, multifamily and single-family needs, include interviews with some local employers, be open to the public, and would inform the city’s consolidated plan and block-grant requirements. Councilor Bender noted the Salvation Army plans a complementary needs/programs assessment.

Finally, the council approved awarding a contract for 2,015 (units) of recycled concrete and asphalt crushing to James Peterson and Sons of Medford, Wisconsin. Councilor Sweeney asked whether the low bid was a red flag; staff explained the low price likely reflected that the contractor has other nearby work lowering mobilization costs.

All four consent items were approved by voice vote with the motions carrying.