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Collecting Canal project moves forward; council approves fence replacements for easements
Summary
Council approved spending up to roughly $35,000 to replace two fences so the town can secure easements and proceed with the Collecting Canal/160th Road rehabilitation project; councilors discussed road width, swales and speed control.
Public Works Director Gallant told council that the Town’s Collecting Canal/160th Road project requires two property easements that in turn require fence removal and replacement. Council approved funding to replace the two fences so the town can obtain the necessary easements and move the project forward.
“Cost estimate for the two fences is in the range of $35,000,” Gallant said during the presentation. He explained one fence is chain link and the other is a post‑and‑rail equestrian fence; both structures will need to be relocated to accommodate the proposed drainage swale and road profile.
Councilmembers discussed road cross‑section choices — pavement width, swale width and how design choices affect adjacent property and long‑term canal stability. Some members said a wider pavement and a larger swale provided safer roads and better long‑term stability for banks; others counseled restraint, citing neighborhood character and cost. Councilmember Manilla asked for an educational workshop on drainage and road design so residents can understand tradeoffs before future neighborhood projects.
Gallant said town staff expect to save an estimated $50,000 to $70,000 by reusing material from another town project, which helps absorb the fence replacement cost within the project budget.
Ending: Council approved the fence replacements (motion carried 5‑0). Staff will finalize contracts, secure the easements and return with a construction schedule and final bid results.
