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Hutchinson council approves Franklin Site Improvement Phase 2, clears 2026 street projects after favorable bids
Summary
The Hutchinson City Council on Feb. 24 approved two resolutions to advance the Franklin Site Improvement Project Phase 2 and voted to proceed with 2026 street improvement bids after staff reported low bids and an engineer estimate cushion; an assessment hearing is set for March 24.
HUTCHINSON, Minn. — The Hutchinson City Council voted Feb. 24 to advance the Franklin Site Improvement Project Phase 2 and approved a package of 2026 street improvement projects after staff reported competitive bids and a favorable cost estimate.
During a public hearing on the Franklin project, city staff presented two resolutions: one ordering the improvements and preparing plans and specifications (Res. 15998), and a second approving the plans and ordering advertisement for bids (Res. 15999). Mike, the city staff presenter, summarized the scope as work that follows last year’s sewer realignment and will include street repairs, curb and gutter, cleanup of storm sewer outfalls and construction of a stormwater pond. “The engineer’s estimate at this point is about $318,000,” Mike said, and staff said they expect to use primarily stormwater funds but may apply some bonding dollars to offset stormwater impacts for eligible street improvements.
After taking no public comments that altered the plan, the council closed the hearing and approved both resolutions by voice vote. The council’s action authorizes staff to finalize plans and move to bid for the Phase 2 work.
On a related item moved into New Business because of bid‑opening timing, staff presented two 2026 street improvement lettings. The city reported 14 bidders across both lettings (seven per project) and named W.M. Mueller as the low bidder for the package under consideration. Staff noted the combined low bids were roughly $330,000 below the engineer’s estimate, which leaves flexibility to add limited scope this season. Mike said the city plans to hold an assessment hearing on March 24 alongside letting 1.
Councilmember Chad moved to approve proceeding with the recommended bidders; the motion passed by voice vote. The council also approved routine consent items and claims earlier in the meeting.
What happens next: staff will complete final bidding documents and advertise per the approved resolutions; the assessment hearing for the street projects is scheduled March 24. The council did not set final assessment amounts at this meeting.
