Kasson council adopts special assessments and awards 2025 street-and-utility contract

The Kasson City Council voted to adopt the special assessments for the 2025 Street and Utility Improvements and approved awarding the construction contract to Hazleton Construction after a public hearing and staff presentation Wednesday.

City Engineer Brandon (speaker 8) opened the hearing and described the project areas (Schedule A: downtown 2nd and 3rd Avenues; Schedule B: 8th Avenue NW), the proposed work — reclaim-and-pave of surfaced streets, curb and gutter repairs, new storm sewer in the downtown low point, replacement of problematic ductile‑iron water main with 8‑inch PVC, service replacements to individual properties and ADA ramp repairs — and the assessment method (30% of roadway cost assessed to benefiting properties).

Brandon said the preliminary assessment roll shows per‑front‑foot and residential‑equivalent calculations, noted one property would be credited roughly $9,000 through the stormwater fund because the city acquired an easement that made the project more efficient, and reminded property owners about a senior deferral option and appeal rights under Minnesota’s special‑assessment statute.

During the public hearing resident Steven Dean (speaker 3) asked about tomorrow’s construction open house and how residents would receive construction updates. Brandon said the contractor will provide collected‑mail services, the contractor will collect curbside garbage to a set collection point during construction and the city will post weekly construction updates on the city website; he also provided a construction‑observer contact for day‑to‑day questions.

Following the hearing the council moved to adopt the assessments. The motion carried by voice vote with one recorded nay. Staff noted assessments prepaid by Nov. 15, 2025 will avoid spreading on 2026 taxes; the packet notice used a 15‑year amortization and proposed interest consistent with prior council direction.

Council then considered the construction bids and approved awarding the contract to Hazleton Construction, the apparent low bidder. Brandon told the council the contractor was prepared to begin work as early as the coming Monday if the contract is executed. The packet included the bid summary and the engineering estimate; council authorized the mayor and the administrator to sign the construction contract.

The council directed staff to proceed with owner notification and the construction open house the following day. The council also reiterated the senior‑deferral process is available at City Hall for qualifying homeowners.