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Coon Rapids approves street reconstruction; council leaves 110th Avenue sidewalk as optional bid item
Summary
The council adopted resolutions to order and advertise Project 26-1 — a street reconstruction with water-main replacement — after debating proposed sidewalks. Staff estimated two to three dozen trees may be removed; council agreed to allow the 110th Avenue sidewalk to be listed as a possible bid alternate.
The Coon Rapids City Council on Feb. 17 adopted resolutions to order and advertise bids for Project 26-1, a street reconstruction and water-main replacement that includes proposed sidewalks and associated assessments.
During a public hearing, resident Herb Dammer said he supports the overall project but opposes the proposed Kumquat Street sidewalk component because tree removal and driveway grade changes would negatively affect his property. “My driveway is already very steep,” he said, adding that nearby homes already have short driveways that could overhang sidewalks.
City Engineer Mark Hansen told the council staff estimates “two or three dozen trees” could need removal as part of the work and that water-main replacement may require yard excavation; staff offered to provide replacement trees in convenient locations. Hansen also said retaining walls are not expected to be necessary and that staff will work directly with affected residents on grading concerns.
Several councilmembers raised objections to building sidewalks on 110th Avenue as part of the base project. Councilmember Brian Armstrong said small side streets are not commonly used for walking and that a sidewalk on 110th would be “redundant and unnecessary.” Councilmember Sean Novack agreed and questioned the need given driveway steepness and neighborhood character.
Mayor Jerry Koch recommended listing the 110th sidewalk as a possible bid alternate so the council could choose when awarding the contract whether to include it. The council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution No. 26-1(6A) ordering the improvement and Resolution No. 26-1(8) approving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids.
The council also noted residents may object to assessments; City Attorney David Brodie said one written objection had been received by email prior to the hearing. The council indicated staff will continue to coordinate with affected homeowners on driveway grading and tree replacement plans.
The next step is for the city to receive bids and return to council for contract award decisions; at that time the council could award the contract with or without the optional sidewalk element for 110th Avenue.
