Public works update: wastewater change order, EDA grant work and local infrastructure items noted

Dan provided the council with an update on multiple infrastructure projects, funding efforts and near-term procurement steps.

On the wastewater treatment plant, staff said Change Order No. 1 will remove a mechanical screen and address several other items; a draft change order was expected to be on council members' desks for execution at the first March meeting so site mobilization can proceed at the end of March.

The Lake of the Woods interlocal agreement was signed by the partner jurisdiction at the end of January and copies were provided for the council's records. JPR will review a preliminary water system investigative report with the town's water department later in the week. The transportation department is continuing work with the railroad on a culvert issue on Lightner Street, and staff are finalizing a right-of-way agreement for Destiny Drive.

Staff also reported fundraising and grant activity: Baker Tilly and town staff are preparing a display at a local bank to promote a standpipe fundraiser in March and are pursuing Community Crossings and other grant opportunities. The town is pursuing an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for treatment-plant Phase 2 with application assistance from MCOG.

Council members asked whether alternative funding sources were available; staff said they had not identified immediate alternatives and offered to follow up with more detail.

The council accepted the department reports and moved on to council comments and adjournment.