EDA approves $54,200 paving of city-owned lot next to Sidewinders to aid snow removal and parking

The North St. Paul City Economic Development Authority voted to move forward with paving the city-owned lot on 7th Avenue East (adjacent to Sidewinders) after staff presented bids showing a low price of $54,203.81. The board approved the expenditure by voice vote after a motion and second.

Public Works Director Ron Ritchie described the lot as a longstanding snow-storage and overflow-parking site used to clear downtown during winter operations. Ritchie said the lot contains patches of dirt and thick concrete remnants from a prior building and that the current surface makes winter maintenance and pedestrian safety difficult. "We would use that lot to pile snow," Ritchie said, explaining that improving the surface would speed downtown snow removal and reduce hazards.

Board members emphasized both safety and visual improvements. One member noted the city was not in compliance with local pavement standards for spaces used as storage and parking, and several members said the paved lot would improve the look of downtown as well as free staff time during storms.

On timing, staff said they will confirm contract language (including any oil-price or seasonal adjustment clauses) and work with the contractor to schedule the work within local road-restriction windows. The board did not set a firm start date at the meeting; Public Works staff said they expect to sign a contract and put the work on the contractor's schedule as soon as practical.

The motion to pave the lot passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Staff will return with finalized contract details and schedule information as they become available.