Akeley approves First Street paving and moves ahead on campground paving estimates

The Akeley City Council approved work on two blocks of First Street and reviewed estimates for paving parts of the city campground as the municipality balances limited road funds and competing maintenance priorities.

After legal caution about a previously considered contractor, the council approved Bemidji Bituminous's proposal to pave two First Street blocks for a combined $62,090 and authorized the work to be paid from the road capital improvement and maintenance accounts. Councilor Dan Riggs said the city would use a mix of state aid, the road capital account and a smaller portion of the 2025 road maintenance budget to cover the expense.

Separately, council members reviewed Bemidji Bituminous estimates for paving two campground entrances and an internal campground loop (approximate combined cost $56,651). Council discussed alternatives and requested additional written estimates and documentation from the county about acceptable road adjustments before approving campground paving; one councilor asked for at least one more contractor estimate before committing funds.

Public works staff updated council on several water and sewer infrastructure needs that affect road decisions, including sagging sewer pipes under a highway segment, leaking well No. 2 with repair estimates ranging from a $420 O-ring replacement to $21,000 for a new pitless unit, and lift-station pump work. The council approved using Torkelson Well Service for pitless/O-ring work up to $3,000 while evaluating longer-term options.

The council said it will schedule and publicize road closet/maintenance work and requested staff provide a clearer multi-year road capital plan that aligns with grant and state funding opportunities before proceeding with larger campground paving work.