Maybe back to square one

The process of getting Royal’s Main Street repaved has hit another bump in the road.

During discussion in December, council members indicated interest in having the city take on the project. It was hoped that excessive costs for engineering and upgrades to intersections, sidewalk approaches and street lighting could be avoided.

Mayor Josh Toft reported at the Jan. 10 council meeting that he was told by an engineer that any municipal project costing over $100,000 must be engineered and open to public bid.

“I guess maybe we’re back to square one,” Toft acknowledged.

Prior estimates and current calculations indicate that repaving Royal’s Main Street will be expensive. According to Street Superintendent Sherman Nielsen, repaving 2-1/2 blocks will require approximately 1,300 yards of concrete. At $150 per yard, the concrete would cost $190,000. Tearing out the existing street surface, all labor and related materials would add to the final cost.

“It’s easily a $500,000 to $600,000 project, without engineering,” Nielsen noted.

According to previous discussion, Royal is not eligible for grant funding or assistance from Clay County because Main Street is not designated as a farm-to-market route.

Toft has contacted City Attorney Jill Davis for clarification as to whether the proposed project could be done in phases with the city in charge, but had not received an answer.

“Let’s find out what the attorney says and go from there,” said Council Member Mitch Fahnlander.

“It’s just frustrating. Small towns don’t get a lot of help,” Toft said.

• Annual appointments

Barb Fletcher will continue as city clerk until her retirement, and Sherman Nielsen is the sewer, street and maintenance superintendent. Home State Bank is the official depository; The Sentinel-News is the official newspaper for city publications; and the firm of Montgomery, Barry, Bovee & Davis is the city attorney.

Council Member Jeff Van Westen was designated as mayor pro-tem. Council Member Alec Nielsen takes over responsibilities for police and fire department, with Fire Chief Matt Goyette continuing as Royal’s liaison for Emergency Management.

Council Members Jim Virelli and Fahnlander volunteered to serve on a committee to determine how to fill the city clerk position.

• Lights and signs

A list of street lights that do not work properly will be forwarded to Alliant Energy. Some street signs in Royal also need to be replaced due to their condition.

Continental Western will no longer be the insurance carrier for the city’s property and liability package. Fletcher was asked to seek bids from multiple companies.

The city will sponsor an application to be submitted to the Clay County Community Foundation on behalf of the Royal-Clay-Lincoln Fire Department. If approved, the grant will be used for new rescue equipment.

Toft volunteered to participate in a webinar sponsored by a group opposed to rate increases requested by Alliant Energy.