Thief River Falls council orders plans for 2026 street, sewer and trail work after public hearing

Thief River Falls — Following a public hearing and public comment, the Thief River Falls City Council voted to order plans and specifications for the proposed 2026 Street and Utilities Improvement Project, which includes 6th Street storm sewer and road reconstruction, multi-use trail and pedestrian-bike improvements near Barzin Avenue and replacement of streetlight heads with LEDs.

City staff member Travis summarized the feasibility scope, saying the 6th Street storm sewer and road reconstruction line item is estimated at $1,600,000 and the broader project construction estimate is about $2,200,000. He noted discrete grant awards tied to specific pieces: $400,000 for the 6th Street storm sewer line item, a $300,000 grant toward a $385,000 multi-use trail segment, and a carbon-reduction grant contribution to a streetlight replacement initiative.

The hearing drew multiple public comments focused on funding and potential special assessments for property owners. One resident (giving an address as 1029 West 6th Street) asked who requested the work and whether adjacent property owners would face assessments; staff responded that assessments apply to properties inside city limits under the city’s assessment formula and that exact assessments will depend on final designs and bid results.

Caleb Torgerson, who identified himself as a County Highway Department employee, raised broader concerns tying the project to unrelated county speed-limit changes and made strong allegations about local contracting; he said, “I’m gonna be a federal whistleblower since I work for the County,” to which council members reiterated the public hearing’s narrow purpose and that no speed-limit vote was on the city’s agenda. Council and staff repeatedly emphasized this was a feasibility hearing and that any final assessment or construction authorization would come later after plans, specifications and bids.

After discussion, Councilman Scott Preem moved and Councilman Navrood seconded a motion to order improvements and call for plans and specifications for the 2026 project. The motion passed; the clerk recorded one dissenting vote by Councilwoman Julie Bolduc.

What happens next: Staff will prepare design plans and solicit bids; final costs and any special assessments will be calculated after bids are received and presented to the council for acceptance. The feasibility presentation and the council’s approval to proceed do not authorize construction or assessment levy at this meeting.