by April Scheinoha
Reporter
It may seem like summer won’t get here fast enough, but the Thief River Falls City Council was thinking ahead to warmer weather at its meeting Tuesday, Feb. 19. At that time, the council approved calling for plans and specifications for the 2019 Street and Utilities Improvement Project.
Estimated to cost $4.3 million, the proposal includes:
• Reconstructing streets in the Central Business District and installing new lighting;
• Installing a wearing course in the subdivision south of Challenger Elementary School;
• Edge milling and overlay of Stevens Drive, Nelson Drive and Fern Road;
• Miscellaneous paving at the Pennington County Fairgrounds;
• Resurfacing the parking lot at the Thief River Falls Fire Hall; and
• A water main loop near Highway 59 Southeast near Thief River Care Center.
As it stands now, back-in diagonal parking spots would be installed on the north side of Fourth Street from Horace to LaBree avenues. Back-in diagonal parking spots would also be installed on the north side of Fourth Street across the street from the building housing the office of John Yoon D.D.S.
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved the purchase and installation of additional playground equipment at Lions Park.
One swing set, which consists of two tandem swings and two infant swings, will be replaced. A spinner will also be added south of that spot for ages 5 to 12. Both of those items will be installed at the same time as playground equipment at Annie Street Park.
The Thief River Falls Lions Club will provide $25,727 for the Lions Park project, which includes equipment and the supervised installation of the equipment. The Public Works Department will prepare the site.
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved a five-year agreement with the Thief River Falls School District, which leases several city-owned facilities. For the 2018-19 school year, the lease will cost $127,713. The lease will increase 1.5 percent for each successive school year. The school district has already approved the lease.
As part of its consent agenda, the council awarded the low bid for new roofing at the Curling Club. Brenden Wilde Construction provided the only bid of $48,275. Bids were also sought from Midwest Construction and Eidelbes Construction LLC, both of Thief River Falls. Neither bid on the project. The city will pay for the improvements with its reserves.
The council approved a final plat of Barnick’s Fourth Addition. TRF Investments LLC owns the property and plans to construct four 45-unit apartment buildings in that area. It is currently constructing the first building. The firm has determined that it doesn’t need additional portions of the property. It plans to sell single-family home lots, including five along Barnick Road and six along Nelson Drive.
City Council approved rezoning Barnick’s Fourth Addition, Block 1, Lots 1-5 and Block 2, Lots 1-6. That area has now been rezoned from Multi-Family Residential (R-4) to General Residential District (R-2).
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved a proposal to rekey the outside of Ralph Engelstad Arena and the Huck Olson Memorial Civic Center. TRF Lock & Key plans to rekey the building at a cost of $3,403.75. The locks haven’t been changed since 2003, when REA opened. Numerous master keys have been made since that time for employees and coaches, and some copies were made at hardware stores without the permission of REA staff. People will be unable to have the new keys copied.
City Council approved a tobacco license for King Tobacco Thief River. Tin Trong Do plans to operate the business at 212 LaBree Ave. N.
The council approved an on-sale intoxicating liquor license for The Puck on Third. Mayor Brian Holmer noted this is an upgrade from the restaurant’s previous liquor license.
Holmer signed a proclamation for Norwegian Heritage Week, which will be observed May 11-18. A weeklong series of community events is planned. The proclamation said, “The Sons of Norway lodges are willing and eager to share pride in their heritage and benefits of the organization with all Scandinavian peoples; they extend an invitation to everyone to participate in these festivities.”
Jim Strandlie, a member of Sons of Norway Snorre Lodge 70, listed the various events. They include Uff-Da Days at Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village, a kids’ play, a theater production, a smorgasbord at the Thief River Falls Eagles Club, an old-time dance, the annual Syttende Mai open house at Northern State Bank, a book signing, the Uff-Day Race and a flea market.
Holmer recognized firefighter Mike Spears and retired Deputy Police Chief Craig Mattson for their dedication and service as Thief River Falls School Board members. The certificates recognized the impact of their decisions on children’s futures and the quality of life in the city. The certificates were awarded during School Board Recognition Week.
The next council meeting is scheduled Tuesday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.