HomeMy WebLinkAboutVIII-13 Authorize Project Work for Potential 2026 and 2027 Neighborhood Infrastructure ImprovementsCity Council Memorandum
To: Mayor Fasbender & City Council Members
From:Cody Mathisen, P.E.–City Engineer
Date:June 16, 2025
Item:Authorize Project Work –2026 and 2027 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements
Council Action Requested:
The Council is requested to authorize the Engineering Department to initiate preliminary work for the
prospective 2026 and 2027 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements. This includes conducting
necessary field data collection (surveying, pipe condition evaluations, and geotechnical investigations),
preparing preliminary designs, developing a feasibility report, and completing an appraised benefits
analysis.
Background Information:
The City’s Capital Street Improvement Plan has long identified Pleasant Drive from Trunk Highway 55
(TH-55) to County Road 42 as a future improvement area. This state-aid collector street currently has a
low Pavement Condition Index (PCI) rating of 38 on average in this stretch and contains aging
underground utilities, including a cast iron water main with a documented history of breaks.
In addition, 4th Street West (from Pleasant Drive to River Street)which is also a state-aid collector
street,though not originally included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), has become a priority due
to multiple recent water main breaks. The sanitary sewer on this segment also presents ongoing
maintenance issues, requiring annual root clearing by Public Works staff. Pavement conditions here are
similarly poor, with an average PCI rating of 43.
Multi-Year Data Collection Approach
Staff recommends initiating preliminary data collection on both Pleasant Drive and 4th Street West at
the same time for the following reasons:
1.Geographic Proximity –These streets directly intersect, making it efficient to survey and
evaluate them in a contiguous manner.
2.Economies of Scale: Grouping data collection efforts reduces mobilization costs. As with past
contiguous multi-year neighborhood projects (e.g.2023–2024), this approach yields more
competitive pricing per mile for services like surveying and geotechnical testing.
3.Project Flexibility: Gathering data for both streets now allows staff to adjust the project
boundaries between 2026 and 2027 based on actual budget availability and construction cost
estimates.
Prospective Project Phasing
The final project scope and design will be determined based on the field data collected, including
subsurface conditions and utility evaluations.Phasing for the two projects will also be influenced by
these findings, preliminary design considerations, as well as budget implications for each project year.
As of now, staff is recommending the following (draft) division of these projects based on priority of
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repairs, high level budget estimates, and anticipated impacts of other major project that will be taking
place such as the Trunk Highway 61 Improvements:
•Prospective 2026 Project
o Pleasant Drive: TH-55 to 4th Street West
o 4th Street West: Pleasant Drive to River Street
•Prospective 2027 Project
o Pleasant Drive: 4th Street West to County Road 42
Data Collection Efforts and Feasibility Report
In order for staff to proceed, survey work is required to initiate design. Water and sanitary sewer pipes
will be evaluated for their structural condition and remaining service life. A geotechnical investigation
will identify subsurface conditions critical for design and cost estimating. Additionally, an appraised
benefits analysis must be completed to support the preparation of a preliminary assessment roll in
accordance with statutory requirements.
Council authorization is ultimately necessary to initiate the feasibility report process for a specially
assessed public improvement.
Financial Impact:
Costs for surveying, pipe condition assessment, geotechnical investigation, and the appraised benefits
analysis will be eligible for reimbursement from future bond proceeds tied to the 2026 and 2027
construction projects. These services will be contracted out to qualified consultants. Staff will solicit
proposals and return to the Council with fee estimates for final approval. All expenses from these
services are expected to fall within the typical range of project administration costs.
Attachments:
•Draft Map: 2026 and 2027 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements
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VIII-13
N DRAFT 2026-2027 Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements
Project Area Map
2026 Project 2027 Project ^wHaStingS
★Note:Exact project limits and scope are subject to change m.nnesota