Baxter approves road project

BAXTER -- The Baxter City Council Tuesday approved a mill and overlay project for business roads east of Highway 371.

The project, with an estimated cost of $220,400, will include mill and overlay of bituminous surfaces, curb and gutter replacement and striping for parts of Excelsior Road, Golf Course Drive, Fairview Road, Dellwood Drive, Design Drive and Baxter Drive.

No date has been set for the mill and overlay project, though at the public hearing Tuesday business owners in attendance said they would prefer after Labor Day, when the tourist season ends.

The project is expected to take two weeks. No roads will be completely closed off for the mill and overlay, but the intersection of Excelsior Road and Golf Course Drive will be closed for about three days for reconstruction.

The project would be assessed 100 percent back to the businesses that benefit from it.

Stewart Mills Jr., owner of Mills Fleet Farm, said while in favor of the project he is worried about the impact on his business.

"Our concerns, like everybody's, would be the summer traffic and maintaining access to our property," said Mills. Mills Fleet Farm represents about 35 percent of the total assessment for the project.

In other action, the council:

Set a public hearing for improvements of Bronson Road, Michelle Circle and Stacy Drive for 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6.

Set a council workshop for 6 p.m. June 3.

Set a Park Plan workshop for 5:30 p.m. May 23.

Approved a conditional use permit to Mary Quaal and Kara Kristofferson to open a pet store in Westgate Mall.

Approved not charging water and sewer availability charges on all existing homes currently hooked to city water and sewer.

Adopted an ordinance amending city codes to allow the council liaison a vote on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Long Range Planning Commission when a quorum of regular commission members isn't present.

Accepted a petition from Eagle Ridge Road residents not to install a street light at the Eagle Ridge Road South and Eagle Ridge Drive South intersection.

Approved charging $25 per acre for city contour maps, with a $100 minimum charge.

Heard presentation of a city financial audit report from Larson, Allen, Weishair & Co. of Baxter.

Adopted a resolution encouraging the state of Minnesota to reconsider closure of the regional DNR office.

Adopted a resolution of support encouraging the federal Economic Development Administration to fund a planning grant to assist with the Potlatch closing.