Faribault council approves street overlay, liquor license and community‑center study; bridge project also ordered

The Faribault City Council approved multiple routine and project actions during its Feb. 10 meeting, ordering plans and specifications for a 2026 municipal‑state aid (MSA) street overlay project, advancing a pedestrian‑bridge replacement, granting a liquor license application and authorizing a feasibility contract for a community center study.

In the most costly item, staff told council the 2026 MSA overlay project (city contract 2026‑02) will include mill‑and‑overlay work on Lincoln Avenue, 30th Street Northwest, Western Avenue and a short Western Avenue segment. Director of engineering Mark Duchain said the project is a standard mill‑and‑overlay approach with pavement repairs, curb and sidewalk replacements as needed, and a new bituminous overlay. He said total project costs come in "just under $560,000," with most funding coming from the municipal‑state aid street fund (the city's portion of the state gas tax) and a small portion from water utilities. Council voted to order plans and specifications and expects to set a bid date and return to council for award in March, with construction beginning in May and final completion anticipated in August.

Council also approved Resolution 2026‑045 to replace a deteriorated railroad‑timber pedestrian bridge on the Straight River trail with a single‑span prefabricated steel bridge and concrete decking. Duchain said deeper testing showed significant structural decay and past fires; the consulting engineer estimated the construction portion "just over $64,000." He said the park improvement fund will cover most costs and the city has been awarded a $100,000 DNR local grant. Council discussed cost and necessity before approving the measure.

On business licensing, staff reported an application from Gary Abram on behalf of Signature Bar and Grill LLC (doing business as The Signature) for a new on‑sale and Sunday intoxicating liquor license. Staff recommended approving Resolution 2026‑050, noting background checks had been completed and the city attorney would review required insurance before the application is submitted to the state for final approval. Council approved the resolution; the license remains subject to state review and submission of required paperwork.

Council also authorized a feasibility contract with HGA to pick up and expand a prior facility assessment as part of a community center study. Staff recommended direct appointment of HGA because of its prior work for the city; council approved the contract.

Votes at a glance: • Resolution 2026‑044 — Order plans/specifications for 2026 MSA street overlay (city contract 2026‑02): motion moved by Barnes, second by Don Buouya; outcome: approved. • Resolution 2026‑045 — Order plans/specifications and set bid for pedestrian (deer) bridge replacement: motion moved by Don Buouya, second by Teal; outcome: approved (nay recorded but motion passed). • Resolution 2026‑050 — Approve liquor license application for Signature Bar and Grill LLC (The Signature): motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved (final state approval pending paperwork/insurance). • Resolution 2026‑046 — Approve feasibility contract with HGA for community center study: motion moved and seconded; outcome: approved.

The council approved the consent agenda (6A–6Q) and the Jan. 27, 2026 minutes earlier in the meeting. After brief board and commission updates and a reminder about a council chat at the Alexander Faribault House, the meeting adjourned.

The projects will return to council for plan approval, bid dates and contract awards in March; construction timetables announced by staff indicated street work could begin in May and the bridge work is timed to avoid bat nesting season.