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Council orders utility/assessment work for Minnesota Avenue project, residents raise business concerns
Summary
The council authorized ordering improvements and planning for Minnesota Avenue (TH‑169, Chestnut to Union), confirming the project will proceed with utility‑side assessments under the city’s assessment policy and noting construction is targeted for 2027. A written letter from a business owner asked the council to consider traffic impacts and assessment burdens.
The Saint Peter City Council on Aug. 25 approved a resolution to order improvements and prepare plans and specifications for Minnesota Avenue (Trunk Highway 169 between Chestnut and Union), following a staff feasibility study and an open house held Aug. 19.
City engineer Pete (speaker S4) summarized the project scope — roadway surface, curb and gutter, sidewalk and storm sewer work, lighting, medians, turning lanes and utility corrections including upsizing sanitary and wastewater service lines where existing facilities do not meet code. Staff said water main replacement is not proposed for this phase (work done in 2009) and that the project is planned as the fourth and final phase along TH‑169, coordinated with MnDOT, with construction not scheduled to start before 2027.
Pete outlined assessment policy effects and estimated overall city share and approximate assessment amounts per the city’s 2023 assessment policy; staff said precise per‑property assessments will be determined later and a waiver is available for some private‑property work. A business‑owner letter from Patty Conlon of Stone's Throw Gallery was read into the record expressing concern that construction and assessments could harm businesses, increase truck traffic and disrupt neighborhood life; staff said they will continue public outreach and consider traffic‑calming elements (trees and plantings) with MnDOT to address speed concerns.
Council members noted MnDOT may not require municipal consent for the trunk‑highway elements, so the council’s current vote authorizes assessment and utility work preparation. The resolution ordering the improvement and preparation of plans and specifications was approved by roll call.
