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Council accepts low bid for 6th Avenue paving and hears water treatment update as residents press rate questions
Summary
Council accepted a low quote of $120,000 from Mesabi Bituminous for the 6th Avenue West paving petition project and received an update that the city—s water treatment plant is nearing completion; residents asked the council to revisit recent water rate increases in light of the $4.8 million in state funding the city received.
The International Falls City Council voted to accept Mesabi Bituminous—s low quote of $120,000 for the 6th Avenue West paving project (17th to 19th Street), a petition project that will be assessed to property owners. City Engineer Jason Fisher said the bid was $22,000 under the engineer—s estimate; work must be completed before Nov. 1 and the assessment hearing will be held afterward, with property owners able to spread payments over 10 years.
"So we'd recommend that we accept this low quote," Jason Fisher said. Councilors asked whether the low amount was unusual; Fisher said the firm has worked in town before and staff was comfortable moving forward; the motion was approved unanimously 5-0.
On the water treatment plant, Fisher said progress continues: one filter removed, two new filters arriving, HVAC installed, and remaining electrical and control work ongoing; the roof is nearly complete and staff offered council tours when project staff are in town.
During the public forum residents raised water-rate concerns. A resident asked whether the council would consider rescinding debt fees or lowering rates now that the city received $4.8 million in state funding for the water project. The mayor said the funding will likely be applied to the project according to funding requirements and that any rate decisions will require discussion and consideration of water fund reserves and ongoing financial forecasts.
Why it matters: The accepted low bid moves a local street improvement into procurement and construction phases and the water plant progress affects service quality and long-term utility finances. Residents urged the council to consider the effect of new state funding on customer rates.
What—s next: The city will schedule an assessment hearing for the paving project, record the assessment schedule if approved, and staff signaled a future council discussion on water rate targets and reserve policies.
