Fergus Falls outlines $34 million in infrastructure projects; RTC roof bidding imminent

City staff briefed the council on a broad set of capital projects expected to move this construction season, totaling roughly $34 million in work with about 74% externally funded, staff said.

Kyle Meyer said staff are finalizing a bidding package for the RTC roof and windows and will advertise for bids in the coming weeks. "We have complete funding for that ... just under $400,000 that, we actually need to use up. Otherwise, we'll lose it," Meyer told the council. He said the roof contract will be limited to roofing and windows; contractor inspections will not include a structural review of the entire building beyond the roof.

Meyer reviewed 14 projects: the Highway 10 interchange removals (a MnDOT project with closures through summer), Lake Alice grit chamber (construction mid-June and a lake drawdown for work), downtown Otter Tail Valley rail crossing replacement (starting at Cascade after Memorial Day), Cleveland and Kavor street work (utilities and removals), landfill cell 3B nearing final elevation with an expected 8'10 year capacity, Douglas Avenue starting in mid-June, grant-funded Pebble Lake and De Lagoon Road projects (bid openings June 16), and lead service-line replacement work that will proceed with a 100% state grant pending MDH approval by June 30.

Staff said the city's construction map and weekly updates will be posted on the city website and urged residents to follow notices; councilors asked staff to clarify assessment notices for corner lots on Douglas Avenue and to consider how sidewalk snow removal requirements apply where sidewalks abut curbs.