Ottertail to continue with Wallenberg Drive project
News | Published on November 28, 2023 at 4:47pm EST | Author: henningmaster
0Project could pave a portion of gravel road
By Chad Koenen
Publisher
The City of Ottertail will continue moving forward with paving a portion of Wallenberg Drive in town.
During its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Nov. 16, the Ottertail City Council briefly discussed a request from several residents along Wallenberg Drive to have the gravel road paved. Over the past few months the city council has received input from residents along Wallenberg Drive, which included a recent public hearing, to gain input from residents, about the potential to pave or add water services to residents in that area.
During the public hearing, the city council heard a request from residents that favored just paving a portion of Wallenberg Drive and not necessarily adding services.
The cost of paving just a portion of Wallenberg Drive was estimated to be $165,000, of which almost all of the project would be assessed to property owners based on the city’s assessment policy.
In other news
• Approved a resolution establishing the salaries of the Ottertail Volunteer Fire Department elected positions of $500 per year for the assistant fire chief, $1,000 per year for the fire chief and $500 per year for the rescue captain.
• Accepted a $6,000 donation from the Ottertail Lions Club for the 2024 fireworks season.
• Heard about the potential of two new firefighters who could join the Ottertail Fire Department. If both people join the fire department the department roster will be 24 people.
• Approved the purchase of 23 fire boots and 20 grass fire boots for the fire department. The cost of the boots were covered by a donation from the Ottertail Rod and Gun Club.
• Heard the city council will hold a working session on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the Ottertail Family Center. A group of local residents are hoping to construct a new community and family center in the community for everything from childcare to a gym.
• Approved upgrading the counters at city hall. The estimated cost for the counter upgrades was $10,000, but the city is currently looking into an OSHA grant that would offset up to $5,000 of the cost of the new counters.
• Discussed a recent Highway 78 corridor meeting that was aimed at gathering input from local residents and businesses about an upcoming project on Highway 78. The study is evaluating the needs and safety of both motorized and non-motorized users along Highway 78, from Highway 10 in Perham through the city of Ottertail to Wagon Trail Loop near Otter Tail Lake. Additionally, the study includes an evaluation of intersection safety and pedestrian connections and accessibility.