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Council approves two rapid flashing beacons downtown, awards bid to Collins Electric
Summary
After MnDOT denied an active‑transportation grant, Lindstrom’s council approved using local street‑maintenance funds to install rectangular rapid flashing beacons at Park Street and Maple Street. Estimated installation costs were $61,007.50 (Park) and $51,009 (Maple); the council awarded the work to low bidder Collins Electric.
Lindstrom’s City Council voted May 21 to install rectangular rapid flashing beacons at two downtown crossings and to award the construction contract to Collins Electric.
Staff told the council that the city applied for a MnDOT active‑transportation grant but was not selected; they proposed funding the installations from the 2025 street maintenance budget (fund 421). The bid amounts were $61,007.50 to install a beacon at Park Street and $51,009 for Maple Street. Councilors discussed doing one beacon to test effectiveness but several members favored installing both now to learn from the first installation and capture lower current prices.
After debate about priorities and budget balances, a council member moved to approve option 2 — installing beacons at both Park Street and Maple Street — and to award the project to the low bidder, Collins Electric. The motion passed unanimously. Staff noted that doing both would leave an approximate remaining street‑maintenance balance of roughly $16,350 for 2025 but said smaller pavement work could still be scheduled with that balance.
Council members said the installations support pedestrian safety as downtown activity increases with summer events, the mural and the planned midsummer festivities. Staff will coordinate installation timing and final contractor documents and provide updates if the Park Street project contingencies affect available funds.
