Public Works & Engineering present first annual report; city previews 2026 projects and new technologies

Public Works and Engineering staff presented the city’s first joint annual report to the council on Feb. 17, outlining staff levels, accomplishments, equipment upgrades and planned projects for 2026.

Presenters described staffing (about 31 full‑time public works employees and 10 engineering FTEs, plus seasonal hires), long‑service employees, and recognition of individual staff achievements. Technology pilots highlighted included pavement sensors and centralized weather stations to inform winter salt application and a GPS sprayer purchased in 2024 that staff said has reduced paint use and labor time.

Staff reviewed 2025 statistics (3.1 miles of new streets added, 828.7 plow hours reported, maintenance of ~103 city sidewalk miles and 156 miles of sanitary sewer with 20 miles televised/jetted in 2025). They said external funding offset local costs; staff cited awarded construction contracts in 2025 of about $3,960,000 and stated that roughly $5,100,000 was funded by grants (staff presented these numbers but the council did not discuss the apparent mismatch between contract and grant totals during the meeting).

Upcoming projects listed for 2026 include the Minnesota Riverbank Stabilization Project (tree removal contract awarded on the consent agenda), completion of Marystown Road corridor improvements, roundabout construction at Old Carriage Court tied to the Chick‑fil‑A development, reconstruction of 12th Avenue and Crossings Boulevard, safe routes to school upgrades, and converting Eagle Creek Boulevard from four lanes to three in the Canterbury area. Staff also noted partnerships with volunteers and local groups for park projects and ongoing accreditation efforts.

Council members praised the report and staff for their work; no formal action was required on the annual report itself.