Fergus Falls council authorizes advertising for bids on 10‑ft trail through former dairy property

The Fergus Falls City Council authorized staff to advertise for bids to build a 10‑foot asphalt trail along the river side of the former dairy property south of the railroad tracks, with the trail segment’s funding drawn from state bonding dollars.

Staff explained the trail segment currently planned for advertisement is funded in part with $534,000 from state bonding. The trail is planned as a 10‑foot asphalt path and benches were proposed to be included as bid alternates. City engineer/planning staff said the city is coordinating with Banash (the railroad’s engineering firm), MnDOT and the railroad to determine required improvements at the crossings before completing final design and bidding. “We’re getting them a drawing. Shortly after that, we’re going to have what we call a diagnostic meeting where all entities involved — the city, MnDOT, Banash, the railroad — we’re going to go meet at these sites and determine exactly what the crossings will be and look like,” said Kyle.

Council members asked whether the $534,000 was levy money; staff confirmed the amount is state money, not property tax levy funds. Officials also discussed benches, trash receptacles and snow removal; staff said snow removal would occur once the trail is a completed and connected route. A resident, Dwayne Cookman, asked about on‑site conditions near a shallow bay and storm sewer, and staff said the design will avoid disturbing sensitive areas and will account for required turns and drainage.

The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution to advertise for bids by roll call.

What’s next: Staff will finalize diagnostic meetings for railroad crossings, complete design details and include bid alternates for amenities before soliciting bids.