Council approves petitioned alley reconstruction and 2025 resurfacing, sidewalks and alley package

The Mankato City Council on Feb. 24 ordered improvements for a petitioned alley reconstruction (project 11125) and a 2025 resurfacing and miscellaneous sidewalks and alleys package (project 11131), approving the assessment structure and funding plan presented by staff.

Public works staff described the petitioned alley (project 11125) as roughly 465 feet of alley between Lincoln and Pleasant streets, 15 feet wide, to be reconstructed with new aggregate base and pavement. The staff report estimated a total cost for that petitioned improvement of $107,000, with approximately $22,000 to be collected through special assessments (about 21 percent) and the remainder funded by general obligation bonds.

For the 2025 resurfacing/miscellaneous sidewalks and alley project (11131), staff described work including milling and overlay of Adams Street (from Raintree Road to Highway 22 roundabout), replacement of poor-condition sidewalks, installation of handicapped-accessible ramps, and construction of three alley sections (two in Dromania Park and one adjacent to the petitioned alley). The total project cost staff presented was $1,073,000. Staff said funding would come from special assessments (about $211,000, ~19 percent), municipal state aid (approx. $187,000 allocated primarily for Adams Street), stormwater revenues ($20,000), and general obligation bonds (about $647,000, roughly 60 percent). Staff noted the city's municipal state aid balance and that the Adams Street work fits the city's designated higher-use roads eligible for MSA funds.

Staff described assessment rates proposed under city policy: alley assessments at $22.27 for homesteaded properties and $49.01 for non-homesteaded properties; resurfacing assessments at $22.50 (homesteaded) and $37.86 (non-homesteaded); and an estimated driveway replacement cost assessed at $93.65 per square yard. Staff said they held an open house on the projects, reported mostly questions and clarifications and one phone objection from a Harper Street property owner.

Public works staff recommended ordering the improvements. Council member Deacon moved to order improvements and to proceed with preparation of plans and an assessment hearing; Council member Metzler seconded. The council approved the action by roll call.

Staff said project details and assessment rolls will be finalized in the assessment process and that driveways or other individual costs will be assessed to adjoining property owners as actual costs are determined.