Minnetrista council directs feasibility work on island streets, asks for Ridgewood outreach

The Minnetrista City Council on May 1 directed staff to pursue feasibility work for a proposed 2027 street-improvement project focused on the Island neighborhood and to reach out to Ridgewood Cove residents about whether they want city water extended.

Public Works staff (Lisonbee) told the council the packet identifies four candidate areas for a 2027 project: Painters Road/Painters Creek (a rural reclamation area), Ridgewood Cove (no water main), Marina Drive (near the high school), and the Island (likely full-depth reclamation). "Those roads out there, they're ranging between 43 and 67 for pavement condition scores," Lisonbee said, and recommended cores to confirm the scope.

Council members pressed staff on financing. Brian Grimm, city finance staff, said the road fund currently holds roughly $1.9–$2.0 million and the city is levying about $400,000 this year. "Around 2,000,000 ... that's what's sitting in the fund balance right now," Grimm said, noting the council could tap reserves or bond depending on scope and timing.

Councilmember Kathleen Reffkin asked whether cores were necessary; Lisonbee replied cores help contractors know how much reclaiming is required and can change cost estimates. Staff noted typical prepay assessment rates in Minnetrista run about 40 percent, which would reduce upfront cost to the city's road fund.

The council coalesced around ordering pavement cores and a feasibility report for the Island and directed staff to check Ridgewood Cove residents' interest in city water before committing to a full reconstruct there. Staff warned that even with earlier study work it may be late February or March before the project could be bid for a 2027 construction season.

Next steps: staff will order pavement cores, prepare unit counts and a feasibility report, and return with refined cost and assessment estimates for the council to consider at a future meeting.