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PERHAM — Street and utility projects planned along several Perham roadways are one step closer to happening.
During a special meeting of the city council on Thursday, May 26, the city of Perham presented plans for its 2022 Utility and Street Rehabilitation Project and held an assessment hearing, where affected citizens had a chance to voice concerns or ask questions.
Following the hearing, the city accepted the low bid for the work, from Central Specialties, for $9,433,188.98.
Prior to the hearing, affected property owners received letters in the mail regarding their assessment costs and the work to be completed near their properties. These were the questions posed to the council:
Q: If work begins on my property this year, then can I assume it will be on my taxes in 2023?
A: Yes.
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Q: If work doesn't begin on my property this year, will I still need to pay assessment costs right away?
A: No. You will pay once construction begins.
Q: What will the construction process look like?
A: Markings of removals will be the first step. Concrete and pavement will then be removed. From there, workers will start with the deepest utilities such as water and sewer and make their way up to the sidewalk. Roads will be passable at night.
Q: Will water and sewer be affected?
A: At no point will sewer or water be turned off for an extended period of time. If there's a temporary shutdown, the city asks that it's no more than a few hours.
Q: Will we have access to our driveways?
A: You will have access in the morning and the evening. If you need to leave at a different time or have an upcoming appointment, flag down some construction workers and let them know. They will make sure you can leave your driveway at that time. The only times you won't have access is when the concrete of the driveway is poured.
Q: Is there a stopping and ending time for construction?
A: Construction will typically occur from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but sometimes it will happen outside that time range due to complications or time crunches.
Q: Once work is started on a specific area, are workers obligated to complete it that year?
A: Yes. The contract states that construction in a said project area must be complete by the first week of November.
The following items were also discussed at the special council meeting and the Committee of the Whole Meeting:
- The council approved a six-month plan to continue assisting Henning with natural gas work while Henning plans for their next step.
- On June 23, Second Avenue S.E. in front of the Bongard's Retail Store will be closed for Dairy Days.
- Nyhus Family Sales bought the Team Electronics building on Third Avenue S.E. They hope to rezone the property to add additional lot space and offer rental cars.
