Pine City council agrees to split $11,000 soil and topography costs for proposed pickleball courts

Council members on Monday approved splitting the cost of soil borings and a topography study for proposed pickleball courts on city-owned beach property, a step proponents said is intended to move the project into engineering design.

The study was estimated at $11,000. Council Member Gina moved “the city offers to pay for half the boring and topography costs” and Council Member Dave seconded the motion; the motion passed after discussion that included concerns about the city’s role in funding nonprofit projects and potential subsurface contamination.

Supporters said the tests would clarify whether the site is buildable and would create city-owned geotechnical data the city could use for future projects. Opponents warned the test could set a precedent for future requests and noted the beach site’s proximity to historical gas-station locations that could raise remediation costs.

Councilors also discussed alternatives: requiring project proponents to fund the study, adding the cost to the group’s fundraising plan, or budgeting the expense in a future cycle. Several members said they were uncomfortable approving the full amount spur-of-the-moment; the half-cost compromise was presented as a middle ground.

Next steps: staff will coordinate work with the volunteer group so borings and topographic work can occur this summer, with engineering design to follow in winter if results are favorable.