City staff update council on road, trails, bridge and utility projects; Hooper bridge flagged for repair

City directors provided a multi-department update on ongoing and planned infrastructure work, including pavement testing on Main Street, trail surveys, a deteriorating bridge at Hooper, airport fuel-dispensing equipment, a persistent geyser valve problem, and a repaired power-plant breaker.

Public Works and Parks Director Justin Hanson said contractors are reviewing test results for an asphalt/main-street issue and that staff expect recommendations soon; no decision was required at the meeting. Staff reported that three main trails are surveyed and ready for further design and that the USDA Forest Service approved moving a section of trail at Badger Creek.

Hanson said the covered Hooper bridge’s center pier is crumbling and estimated replacement costs from a prefabricated-wood vendor: roughly $65,000–$75,000 for a treated covered bridge and $45,000–$55,000 for an uncovered variant. He estimated total replacement with abutments and installation could approach $100,000 and said he will include the bridge in a multi-year capital forecast for council review.

At the airport the council heard that one old fuel dispenser needs replacement; a basic pump is roughly $10,000 while a card-reader-capable dispenser is roughly $35,000. On the geyser/fountain, staff said a hydraulic pump was replaced and manual measures are limiting flow while they work on a permanent control fix. The city reported Number 4 generating unit was repaired by a contractor and is back on line after a circuit-breaker/spring alignment fix.

Directors asked the council to schedule a capital-budget work session to review fund balances, priorities and timelines for these projects; staff said some items will require bids and coordination with external funders.