Gaylord council approves Casa 21 realignment project, orders bids after $700,000 grant

Justin, the city engineer, told the council the Casa 21 improvement is a cooperative project with Sibley County and MnDOT and remains largely unchanged from the December public hearing. "In front of us tonight is the Casa 21 improvement project," he said as he outlined a road realignment, curb-and-gutter on the west side of County Road 21, relocation of the trail, a regional stormwater pond sized to serve roughly 10 acres of future development east of 21, and extension of water main to a city-owned parcel south of County Road 10.

Justin presented an all-in project estimate of about $3,000,000 and said the city’s share would be roughly $423,000 once Sibley County covers most costs. He also announced that Sibley County had received a $700,000 local road improvement grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation for the project, which could reduce the city’s stormwater costs if grant dollars may be applied to drainage work.

Councilmembers asked about timing and bid competitiveness; Justin said he expected good contractor interest and outlined the schedule: advertisement next week, a bid opening on May 12, substantial completion targeted for Oct. 16, and final completion a month later. The council then moved to adopt Resolution 2026-10 approving plans and specifications and ordering advertisement for bids. Councilmember Rose made the motion and Councilmember Eaker seconded; the motion carried on a voice vote.

The project also includes pre-positioned casing pipes under County Road 21 so future water and sewer lines can be extended without re-opening the road. Council discussion noted the project’s role as the first in a series that could lead to a future realignment of Highway 19 and a roundabout at the intersection.

Next steps: advertising for bids and the May 12 bid opening. Staff will return with bid results and final funding allocations once bids are opened.