City council approves contracts for reconstruction work

Contracts for four reconstruction projects were approved by the Worthington City Council during its Monday meeting.

The first contract to be approved was for the Murray Avenue reconstruction project, for which a bituminous surface was ultimately chosen over concrete. A bid of $656,891.15 was awarded to Henning Construction, as opposed to Henning's concrete bid of $808,670.95. As was the case with each of the contracts awarded Monday, the low bid was approved.

Monday's second contract awarded was for the Centennial Trail reconstruction project, which went to Duininck Inc. for its bid of $224,202.50. The next two contracts each went to Henning Construction; its bids were $156,175.50 for the East Ninth Avenue full street reconstruction project and $802,891.60 for the Sixth Avenue Water and Sewer reconstruction project.

It was noted during Monday's meeting that there were project bids that came in well under the engineer's estimate. For instance, the estimate for the East Ninth Avenue work had been around $300,000, and a cost of $1 million had been forecast for the Sixth Avenue project. Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson also said he believed that the timing of when the bids went out helped with the low amounts received. 

In other engineering items included on Monday's council agenda, a resolution pertaining to the intent of the city to bond for costs incurred in making public improvements was approved. Council members also authorized plans for the Service Road and Service Drive reconstruction project and scheduled the bid award for the work for the April 28 council meeting.

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Fireworks displays are planned in Worthington for both July 3rd and 4th this year, it was reported during Monday's city council meeting.

Worthington City Administrator Steve Robinson said that Worthington Public Works Director Todd Wietzema made some calls and was able to find a qualified individual to set off the fireworks on both days — on the 3rd, following the annual Beach Bash event, as well as on the 4th. A total of $21,000 has been allotted for the two fireworks displays. 

Also Monday, council members approved a pair of cannabis-related items. The third and final required reading of the city's cannabis zoning ordinance was approved, as was a resolution establishing registration fees for cannabis businesses. Those fees are $500 for an initial registration fee and $1,000 for a renewal registration fee — the maximum allowed by Minnesota Statute. 

The council also approved the city's expenses for a two-day, in-person classroom program titled "Excelling as a Manager or Supervisor." Presented by SkillPath, the program emphasizes the interpersonal skills needed to create and keep high-performing teams.

Robinson noted that a number of individuals have recently stepped into leadership positions with the city, with more foreseen as likely retirements occur over the next several years. The cost for the program is $10,150; plans are to schedule the class for the week of June 9.

A ballfield maintenance contract with Minnesota West was also approved by the council, with the city's public works department to be responsible for maintenance that includes mowing, dragging, lining, fertilizing, aerating and general cleanup. Minnesota West will pay the city a not-to-exceed $15,000 fee.

Additionally, council members approved a professional services work order for construction administration on a new 150-feet by 50-feet hangar at Worthington Municipal Airport.