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Moorhead orders River Drive South-area street and utility rehab; assessments proposed
Summary
Council ordered a $1.52 million street and underground utility rehabilitation for the River Drive South/Eighteenth/Third/M Street South area, proposing assessments covering about $342,000 across 41 properties and confirming Moorhead Public Service will pay its water-main share.
The Moorhead City Council on March 24 ordered improvements and awarded the contract for a street and underground utility rehabilitation project covering Elm Street South and portions of River Drive South, Eighteenth Avenue South and Third Street South (project 25A203).
Engineering staff told the council the work includes full pavement replacement, spot curb and gutter and sidewalk repairs, updating noncompliant ADA pedestrian ramps, and replacing about 13,000 feet of old cast-iron water main along River Drive South. Xcel Energy plans to replace gas mains concurrently but separately from the city contract.
Costs and assessments: Clay Lexan of the city engineering department said the total project cost is expected to be about $1,520,000, with the city share approximately $866,000, Moorhead Public Service (MPS) contributing an estimated $314,000 for the water-main replacement, and proposed special assessments totaling about $342,000 across 41 properties. Lexan said the average assessment would be about $8,300 and the maximum assessment a little over $30,000 (a city park property). He emphasized assessments announced now are proposed and will be finalized at an assessment hearing this fall.
Public comment and access concerns: Resident Cheryl Wakenheim (Ward 3) said she lives on one of the affected streets and urged the city to hold contractors accountable for minimizing prolonged access disruptions. "I would appreciate some discussions with the engineering firm about that," she said. Engineering staff and council members responded that projects can require lengthy work near driveways and that contracts include mechanisms to encourage timely completion, including liquidated damages and phasing options; staff offered to follow up with the resident.
Schedule and next steps: Lexan said construction is expected from May through September and the assessment hearing will be held later this fall. After the public hearing closed, Council Member Heather Niesemeyer moved to approve the order and bid award for items 9B and 9C; Council Member Deb White seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous and the motion carried.
Ending: Engineering staff encouraged property owners with assessment questions to contact the city's special assessment coordinator; staff also noted an informational video and mailed notices had been posted in February and March.
