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Council directs restoration of former landfill driveway; agrees to use Parkland Trust Fund
Summary
After staff reported a gravel driveway at the former landfill was removed without prior authorization and a vehicle recently became stuck, the council directed staff to reestablish the driveway and approved using Parkland Trust Fund dollars to pay for the work; a low quote of $13,390 was noted.
The New Richmond City Council directed staff to reestablish a driveway at the city’s former landfill and agreed to use Parkland Trust Fund dollars to pay for the work after staff reported the gravel driveway—removed about 18 months ago—was not removed with prior committee or council authorization and a vehicle recently got stuck on the site.
City staff said the driveway provides access for service vehicles, including vacuum trucks needed when condensation and groundwater buildup require pumping. Staff presented two quotes for reestablishing the driveway; the low quote was $13,390 and included materials, labor and equipment. Staff noted the cost was not included in the 2025 capital improvement plan and asked council whether to proceed this year or defer to 2026.
One alderman said the city should replace the driveway promptly and argued the money should come from the Parkland Trust Fund rather than general fund revenues because the driveway benefits a park-like site and the removal was not authorized by partner jurisdictions. “Option 3 is out,” the alderman said, referring to asking partner jurisdictions to share cost, and moved to direct staff to get the road reestablished as quickly as feasible with the Parkland Trust Fund as the source of funds. The motion passed.
Staff said the former landfill is still subject to ongoing monitoring and testing obligations and that access is needed for both small pickup trucks and larger vac trucks when condensation builds and the system requires pumping. The city will solicit bids and proceed with the low bidder to complete the work this construction season, staff said.
