Project updates presented to Council

GLENWOOD CITY — The Glenwood City Common Council heard updates on a couple of projects underway. Council President Terry Klinger chaired the meeting February 20, in place of Mayor John Larson who was reported to be sick.

Brent Standaert addressed the council about the work on Hinman Park, noting that the project of rebuilding the two ball fields is about ninety percent complete. He updated about several things at the park, including the yet-to-be-completed four dugouts which he indicated would cost about $5,000.

“Royal Construction is going to build two of the dugouts and we are to do the other two,” Standaert informed the council. He also noted about the sidewalk to allow for handicapped accessibility to the fields and work needed on the drainpipe.

As for donations for the $132,000 project, Standaert said they have collected some $122,000 including $40,000 from the city and another $10,000 from the Summer Recreation Program. Later in the meeting the council approved a payment of $21,197.88 to Albrightson Excavating. Kevin Oium of Cedar Corporation informed the council that they should take a look at the work done on the field in the spring to approve the job. He noted that the city is holding some $2,800 of construction funds until all the work in completed.

Fire Chief Greg Holden gave the council an update on three projects that the fire department is working on. First is the construction of a new tank truck and Holden noted that the chassis has been taken to the tank builder and work has started on the unit. He noted that because one of the department’s other tankers is in need of repairs, the tank builder has moved the Glenwood City project to the front of the line and should be completed by this fall. He informed the council that the $125,000 project is about $9,000 under budget at this time.

Holden also had different news about the building of a new unit for fighting grass fires. He noted that the department purchased a used pickup that had been in an accident and was requiring more work than first estimated and is about $3,600 over budget, but noted that the unit will be completed before the April 15th deadline to meet the terms of the grant funds the department received for the cost of this unit.

Holden also spoke about the department working with ten other fire departments, mostly from Dunn County, on the purchase of a device to test how the air masks are fitting on firefighters’ faces. “This test is required,” Holden told the council and noted that they are spending over a thousand dollars yearly on the test now. Dividing the cost of the $19,277 machine among eleven departments, combined with a $9,600 donation from Dunn County Electric Co-op for the project, would bring the cost down to less than $1,000.

Lane Berenschot, who was representing the local Lions Club addressed the council about improvements needed at the city ball field. He noted the need for signs to locate the restrooms and some minor repairs to the building and a sidewalk to the restrooms to accommodate handicapped individuals. However, it was noted that the doors on the restrooms are not the size to meet the requirements of ADA.

Berenschot also questioned the council about the old Saddle Club area to become a dog park and the Lions could be the leader in that endeavor.

The council discussed both items and will meet later to come up with some ideas along with the Lions.

In other action they approved an Operators License for Mitchell R. Hurtgen and approved a $100 donation to the Post Prom Committee. Council member Nancy Hover suggested, “that could be increased just a tad.” She indicated that the amount was what had been donated for a number of years. But Klinger noted that the motion had already been made and seconded before she made her suggestion.

The council also approved a recommendation from the City’s Plan Commission to accept a Certified Survey Map splitting an area along First Street between Oak and Maple Street into two one acre parcels.

The land is currently owned by Mike and Marilyn Wheeler and is located to the south of their M&M bar. The area is apparently being look at for a commercial development. The council also must approve a site plan for the area before any improvements can be done.