Council directs restoration of former landfill driveway, approves Parkland Trust Fund as likely payer

The New Richmond City Council directed staff to obtain bids and restore a gravel driveway at the former landfill site after staff said gravel had been removed about a year and a half ago and that a vehicle became stuck earlier this year.

City staff said the driveway, which runs roughly 500 feet and provides access to monitoring wells and vacuum trucks, had been removed and replaced with topsoil and grass. Staff and the city’s consulting engineer reviewed the site and concluded access should be restored to ensure monitoring and maintenance vehicles can reach the site. Staff provided two contractor quotes; the low quote in the packet was $13,390 and staff emphasized the work requires care because the area includes a landfill clay cap and remediation infrastructure.

Council discussion focused on whether partner townships or previous donors should be asked to pay; council members said that is not appropriate because those partners did not authorize the gravel removal. Council members also discussed timing and whether the work needed to be done immediately; staff said access is weather-dependent and could become urgent if seasonal condensation builds and vac trucks are needed. One councilmember said: “The reality is the road should be replaced as soon as it's feasible.”

Alderman Merriman moved and a colleague seconded a motion to direct staff to reestablish the driveway and to fund the work from the Parkland Trust Fund; that motion passed on roll call. Staff will solicit bids, return the low bid for contract authorization consistent with city purchasing rules and proceed with restoration.