Land bought for roundabout

BAXTER - Room has been cleared for the roundabout at Excelsior Road and Cypress Drive.

The Baxter City Council on Tuesday approved a purchase agreement for $270,000 with Bernie and Linda Roberts to buy the Roberts' land near the intersection for the purpose of a roundabout.

The council also approved a purchase agreement of $135,000 to sell a portion of that property back to the Roberts after it had been platted.

The odd transaction was initiated because the property isn't platted and therefore had to be bought in its entirety. The city had a possible buyer for the small portion of land, which it didn't need, but couldn't get the party to enter into a purchase agreement. Bernie Roberts agreed to be a buyer of last resort should the city be unable to sell the land. With the approval to plat the property the city will be able to sell it to the Roberts.

In March the council approved designing a roundabout instead of a signalized intersection at Cypress Drive and Excelsior Road. The design would be part of an estimated $3 million overall project that also includes reconstruction of part of Excelsior Road and Golf Course Drive and a three-quarter access at Golf Course Drive and Highway 210. A timetable for construction has not been determined.

Baxter resident Bob Miller said the city should think twice before spending money on land it currently didn't need.

In other action, the council:

Approved eliminating a building technical clerk position.

Approved a three-year permit for the annual Inline Marathon to be held June 13; June 12, 2010; and June 11, 2011.

Adopted the 2009 fee schedule. The schedule includes:

An increase from $35 to $70 for a residential re-roofing permit. The rate increase was recommended to cover the cost of the two required inspections.

An increase in residential water rates from $7.90 base charge and $2.58 per thousand gallons used to $8.22 base charge and $2.68 gallons used.

An increase in commercial water rates from $20.10 base charge and $2.58 per thousand gallons used to $20.90 base charge and $2.68 per thousand gallons used.

An increase in residential sewer rates from $12 base charge and $3.36 per thousand gallons used to $12.42 base charge and $3.48 per thousand gallons used.

An increase in commercial sewer rates from $24 base charge and $3.36 per thousand gallons used to $24.48 base charge and $3.48 per thousand gallons used.

A 3 percent increase in staff hourly billing rates.

MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.