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Council approves engineering contract, rail-spur support and lease MOU to advance industrial park work
Summary
Council approved a contract with Houston Engineering for grant administration, endorsed support for MRSI phase 2 railroad spur extension and approved an MOU to lease city land to Minnesota Northern for the spur; staff said no city match is required for the lease and that Houston's bid is up to $23,000.
The Crookston City Council approved several resolutions to move forward with industrial‑park infrastructure and grant administration. Council authorized a contract with Houston Engineering to manage reporting and administration tied to a $3.3 million EDA grant and an anticipated BDPI grant; staff said the firm’s bid is up to $23,000 (not to exceed usage) and that Houston has experience handling prevailing‑wage reporting and reimbursement requests.
Separately, the council approved a letter of support for Minnesota Rail Service Improvement (MRSI) phase 2 to extend the Crookston industrial park rail spur, and adopted a memorandum of understanding to lease city land beneath the proposed phase‑2 spur to Minnesota Northern. Staff said Minnesota Northern will be the grant applicant and will own and maintain the spur, including associated liability; staff noted the lease should not require a city cash match. Estimates for rural rail lease rates were discussed (roughly $3.50 per linear foot), and staff said the city could pursue reimbursement through bond proceeds or other project contingency mechanisms if costs exceed initial estimates.
Council carried each resolution by roll call.
