Sauk Centre holds public hearing on T.H. 71 Phase 1 street reconstruction and assessments

Sauk Centre — The Sauk Centre City Council held a special meeting on April 29, 2026, at which Mayor Warren Stone opened a public hearing on the T.H. 71 Phase 1 (2027 construction — city streets) reconstruction project. City Engineer Keith Yapp presented the project scope, estimated costs and the assessment approach.

Yapp said the project’s full-reconstruction areas would include Cass Street; 9½ Street; 8th, 7th, 6th and 5th Streets; 2nd Street South and 2nd Street North; Lake Street; Linden Lane; and a proposed bypass. He reported new PUC utilities would be installed in full-reconstruct areas and noted street-width considerations for some blocks.

The meeting packet and Yapp’s presentation listed a total project cost of $7,213,529.45, a total city cost of $4,006,296.12, a PUC cost listed in the materials as $1,739,980.17, and estimated assessments totaling $1,467,252.72. The packet showed an average assessment of $15,609.07 across 94 parcels. Yapp said staff monitors contractor invoices and that invoices are reviewed by staff before coming to the council for approval.

Residents and local business owners raised several concerns during public comment. Dan Loxtercamp said he was worried about proposed work on 9½ Street. Bill Friedrichs of Friedrichs Tire & Oil questioned how sidewalk work on 2nd Street South would affect his business. Tim Larson said he opposed a potential connector road that could alter neighborhood circulation.

Karen Gow of 801 Ash Street asked, “Has it been determined which trees will be removed?” Yapp replied that tree removals had not yet been determined. On access, Yapp told residents they would retain access to their garages. He also said Ash would not be converted to a one-way street to the school and that decisions on gas-line replacement were "to be determined."

Representatives of the ISD 743 School Board, Rob Weiner and Donny Peschel, said the district is “in the middle of a project with the school athletic facilities” and urged coordination so both projects produce the best outcome. Shawn Olson of Friedrichs Tire & Oil asked whether businesses would be assessed for sidewalks. William Schmitz asked how long he needed to maintain grass around utility flags in his yard. Bruce Dickhoff questioned whether planned widening of 8th Street South would encroach on his property; Yapp said the street would be slightly wider on the south side.

Mayor Stone closed the public hearing after calling three times for additional speakers. No action on the T.H. 71 Phase 1 project was taken at the meeting. Council Member Scott Kowski moved to adjourn; Council Member Heidi Leach seconded and the motion passed. With no further business the mayor adjourned the meeting.

What’s next: The hearing record will remain part of project proceedings as staff and consultants finalize bid documents and bring measures requiring council approval back to the council for any assessment resolutions or contract awards.