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Council weighs repair options for pedestrian bridge ramp damaged by fire; insurance unresolved
Summary
Councilmembers discussed damage, estimates and insurance status for a pedestrian‑bridge ramp destroyed in a fire; staff reported a $24,000 estimate, possible long material lead times and that prior agency approvals restrict design changes without reauthorization.
Council discussion on June 9 focused on the pedestrian walking bridge ramp that suffered fire damage earlier in the season.
Councilmember Jeremiah Flotterud asked for the status of the ramp repairs after the fire. City Administrator Michael Boulton said the city is awaiting a determination from private insurance and that the council may need to use general‑fund dollars in the interim if insurance does not cover repairs. Boulton said engineers have provided the original construction specifications to help estimate repairs.
Brad Kennedy described the ramp decking as "burnt extensively," weakening the structure, and noted posts are concreted into the footings, which may require excavation to replace. The city has obtained an estimate from Zumbro Valley Landscaping of $24,000 for repairs. Kennedy said Pine Island Lumber advised that some required material and uncommon board sizes could have up to a 90‑day lead time. Boulton said prior approvals from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and other state agencies were required for the original ramp design, and any design changes would require renewed approvals.
The council did not direct a specific funding source at the meeting; staff said they will obtain additional estimates and continue to pursue the insurance determination.
