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Three waivers of assessment appeal rights were received by Lindstrom City Council members last week, clearing the way for the "Moberg Lane" road improvements. Moberg Lane is a gravel path, off Lake Lane, alongside Quick Stop, west of County Road 14.

Three private parcels abut the road and the city sought approval from the property owners to proceed on improving the road. Its importance is as a detour, for when the Hwy. 8 and #14 intersection reconstruction eventually gets underway, but it also is one of very few gravel routes left in the city.

By waiving their right to appeal assessments, property owners Jay Norelius, Ron Berget, and Team Investments LLC agree to pay a flat amount for the improvements. The city is expecting to contribute $5,000. Depending on how bids come in this city share could change, council was told, but the private contributions of $1,748, $4,862 and $3,155 are capped.

Also in that same part of town, council annexed the 1.9 acre electric power substation into the city.

The Xcel annexation agreement includes a one-time $15,000 payment from Lindstrom, to Chisago Lake Township, instead of the yearly tax loss reimbursement usually adopted when a township loses tax paying property to a city.

Additionally the Lindstrom Council, with member Curt Flug absent, also approved a request from the fire chief to put three new firefighters; Chris Lehner, John Johnson and Kris Lossing onto the official roster. The department anticipates there'll be two retirements this year and one in early 2012 so three are needed, according to Fire Captain Matt Leisch; at the meeting last week because Fire Chief Scott Sellman couldn't attend. Lindstrom now has 23 firefighters on its roster.

City engineers were directed to put together costs to address a recent watermain break.

The council voted unanimously to fix the line and not do a temporary repair awaiting the state to start the highway project. There was concern for ensuring the availability of municipal services.

City Administrator John Olinger explained that the city has funds for this, but had hoped aging infrastructure could be addressed during highway work.

Council members were hesitant to proceed. Roger Lindgren made the motion to replace the watermain, but it didn't get a second.

After hearing more information from Olinger, Council member Joe Wishy then seconded, and the motion passed 4-0.

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