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This is the time of year when contracts are being lined up for warm weather work.  And, the early tasks to improve and complete Center City’s segment of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail have been started.  The County Board last week OK’d the custom culvert ordering,  which will allow for water flow between a marshy bay and a body of water on the trail route on the east side of Center City.

The 32 foot long culvert quote went to Forterra, and at $79,000 the price tag is a good option compared to the expense of building a bridge over the gap.   Environmental Services Director Kurt Schneider also got the tree clearing contract approved. Surveying and trail marking duties are going to a firm, out of Blaine, Carlson Engineering.

The old jail site in Center City is going to have to sit empty for a while longer, as the Board rejected all bids received. The offers from two separate parties were not even in the ballpark of anticipated values.

The lots along the highway on the edge of the business park near the public safety center, also in Center City, are being advertised next for sale.  The notice will be posted until March13.  The sealed bids will be opened and will be reviewed at the County Board meeting March 18.

In other matters:

The Board supported a plan to join a joint power that is forming to maintain and/or improve a ditch that runs through Isanti, Pine, Kanabec and Chisago counties.  Commissioner Dan Dahlberg will be the representative on the ditch authority for Judicial Ditch #6.  By joining the group the landowners eventually impacted by projects have a voice in assessments and work plans.  

Commissioner Dahlberg noted this area is prone to flooding and he is happy to be involved.

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