The Clearwater City Council Monday tabled a vote on approving the plans and specifications for the Southeast Area Street Improvement Project.

But it shouldn’t delay the project schedule.

 

Engineer Justin Kannas from Bolton & Menk said the plans are about 98% complete, but some last-minute changes will delay them. He said late last week they were contacted by T.O. Plastics, which is in the project area. 

 

“They want to add a 10” water main,” said Kannas.

 

T.O. was planning to do some internal improvements and modifications, but last Friday, they contacted Bolton & Menk about the water main.

 

“We’re going through some specifics with them. We need to draft an agreement with them,” said Kannas. “It’s likely we’ll have to go under Co. Rd. 75 and make a connection on the other side of the road, and then upsizing a portion of it for the water tower. We’re still working out the details.”

 

He requested the council table its vote and hold a special meeting later in the month.

 

“We’d like to receive bids around March 1 and they can be considered for awards at the March council meeting,” he said, “and it won’t delay anything.”

 

The council set a special meeting for 6 p.m. on Jan 28 to consider approving the plans.

 

The $1.26 million project covers Bittersweet Drive from Walnut Street to Porter Street, Spring Street from the cul-de-sac to Porter Street, Porter Street between Bittersweet Drive to Kothman Circle, Porter Circle from the cul-de-sac to Porter Street and Manor Drive from Porter Street to Co. Rd. 75.

 

 

Kannas also gave updates on two other projects. He said they have met with three property owners who would be affected by the future water main improvement project that will go under I-94. They have all agreed to the easements and conditions.

 

The agreement documents are currently under review by the city attorney. Once the agreements are signed, Bolton & Menk can move forward with funding options.

 

Kannas said they are currently looking at applying to the Public Facilities Authority (PFA) for a low-interest loan.

 

“We feel like the project would likely score well,” he said.

 

If approved, the project could start this fall or spring, 2020.

 

 

Another potential project is a new storm sewer system along Co. Rd. 75.

 

In October, representatives from a business indicated they are looking to develop the property just south of the Travel Plaza. The development would have expansive paved, impervious surfaces that generate large amounts of surface water runoff.

 

Unfortunately, the property lies within the wellhead protection area. Stormwater can’t be drained into the area because it can leach into the soil and pollute groundwater, which can eventually contaminate the city well.

 

Kannas said in order to drain any property in the area, it would require a storm sewer system, a potential $1 million project.

 

He said they have been in contact with the Dept. of Health and the MPCA about potential grants for the project.

 

“Unfortunately with all the existing programs they have out there, this falls right in between,” he said. “The Dept. of Health looks at it as a stormwater issue, not specifically a drinking water issue. MPCA programs are geared towards surface water protection - lakes rivers and streams.”

 

Without grants, there aren’t many options. Either property owners will have to contribute to the cost, or the city can seek funds from the legislature.

 

He said they intend to hold a public meeting with property owners to make them aware of the situation.