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Council approves WHKS feasibility study to advance 2026 street and utility reconstruction
Summary
The council authorized a professional services agreement with WHKS to prepare a feasibility report for 2026 street and utility improvements, including sewer and water replacement on Fourth Street and related stormwater work; the report will outline assessment steps, financing options and a public hearing schedule.
CANNON FALLS, Minn. — The Cannon Falls City Council on May 29 authorized a professional services agreement with WHKS to prepare a feasibility report for planned 2026 street and utility improvements.
Bill Engerman, speaking for the consultant team, described the feasibility report as the first formal step for the project. The work will assess costs, lay out the statutory assessment process and present financing options — including whether to use cash, bond financing, special assessments or some combination — and will form the basis for a public hearing later this year.
Engerman said the proposed work continues reconstruction that began in 2023 and 2024. The 2026 work is planned to extend north from Dakota to Washington and focuses on replacing aging sewer and water mains, installing or completing storm sewer work and reconstructing roadways, including sections of Ohio Street. The council was told the larger effort had been split into three projects because of phasing and supply delays tied to earlier work, and that some capital projects will be closed out and reconciled in 2025.
The feasibility study will also identify which project costs are appropriate to assess to adjacent property owners under Minnesota assessment procedures and will guide the council on scheduling a public hearing and proceeding to design, with final design expected over the fall and winter and bids anticipated next spring for construction in 2026.
Councilmember Diane moved to approve the professional services agreement; Councilmember Lisa seconded. The mayor called the vote and the motion carried.
Council and staff clarified that routine mill-and-overlay and patching work are funded from separate budgets and that the WHKS study covers full reconstruction and underlying utility replacement. The council also discussed project priority, with staff and consultants describing the Fourth Street area as higher priority because it ties to prior sewer and lift-station work and areas with a history of drainage and water-main issues.
