By Chad Koenen

Publisher

Driving will be a bit smoother on Wallenberg Drive this summer.

During its regularly scheduled meeting last week, the Ottertail City Council approved a low bid from Ottertail Aggregate to enhance the current gravel road to a bituminous surface. The city received three bids for the project with Ottertail Aggregate’s bid coming in at $124,971.54. The total  construction project cost was based on the low bid will be $165,000. 

The project came at the request of several property from its country Class 5 gravel to a layer of bituminous. Nearly all of the cost of the project will be assessed to adjacent property owners. 

In addition to Wallenberg Drive the city heard an update on the long-awaited Tyler Wohlers Trail. Bob Schliemann, of Apex Engineering, said Apex Engineering is waiting for Otter Tail Power Company to resolve some infrastructure/permitting items before MnDOT will approve the project to proceed with construction. 

Once these issues are resolved, which includes moving a light pole and some wires, Schliemann said the company will proceed with advertising for construction bids.

Schliemann said the city needs to push forward with the project as they are in a bit of a time crunch to get the project completed this year.

In other news

• Approved a franchise agreement with the Otter Tail Power Company to provide electric power in the community.

• Approved a license for edible THC for Ottertail Liquors.

• Approved a change in the rental agreement for private docks on public property. The city approved increasing the co-insured amount to a minimum of $1 million, which was increased from $300,000. The yearly lease is $275 and is open to property owners on Donalds Road who have adjacent property across the road from the lake. 

• Approved a rental agreement of $500 for Full Arena Promotions, LLC to host a demolition derby on October 12 at the Ottertail demo derby pit.

• Heard the fire department report from Joe Ahlfs, who stated the department had four medical calls and two fire calls in March. The two fire calls revolved around a carbon monoxide call and a report of a fire near Balmoral Golf Course. 

• Approved the resignation of deputy clerk Nessa Burlingame. The city is seeking applications for the position through May 10 and will hold interviews the following week. The goal is to have an individual start around Memorial Day or the first part of June. 

• Discussed the need to look into potential grants to install tornado sirens in the City of Ottertail. Currently there are no tornado sirens in the city limits as the city utilizes Smart 911 and other apps to inform the public of impending inclement weather. 

• Heard that a family who had been identified for a Habitat for Humanity on Arvilla will be looking at a location closer to the Barnesville area. The city council heard that the location could be home for a Habitat for Humanity home in the future.