Nowthen council asks engineer for cost estimate for Salt Street paving feasibility report

The Nowthen City Council authorized the city clerk to obtain an estimate for a feasibility study that would analyze paving Salt Street and determine whether and how costs could be assessed to residents.

Council discussion began after residents presented contractor estimates for paving and one resident (S11, Stacy Paris) said her husband was prepared to do the base dirt work at personal expense. City Attorney Bob (S10) and other advisors explained that Minnesota Chapter 4.29 requires a feasibility report before assessing any portion of project costs to property owners and that the report typically outlines project scope, engineer cost estimates and the area that could be assessed.

Bob (S10) described the legal mechanics: “If the if you're assessing any portion of the cost to the residents, chapter 4 29 mandates the use of a feasibility report.” Council members and the city clerk discussed prior practice (historically the city has sometimes paid 50% while property owners paid 50%) and whether the project would require sealed bids (if costs exceed the threshold). One contractor estimate presented to council was about $156,900 for paving; one resident offered to perform base work valued in the neighborhood of $87,000, according to the resident.

Councilors agreed the next step was to get a written quote from Hawkins & Anderson (engineer Shane Nelson was named as the expected preparer) for the feasibility report, which would allow staff to calculate potential assessments, the likely timeline for an improvement hearing and the options to present to residents. Council moved, seconded and approved requesting a feasibility-study estimate by voice vote.

If the feasibility study indicates residents would be assessed for some or all costs, staff and the council said they would return with a public hearing to explain assessments, a timeline and any recommended cost-sharing arrangements.