Letter: Most vulnerable affected first

The Carver County Mental Health Advisory Council or Local Advisory Council (LAC) respectfully requests your support for HF 501 and SF 776, pertaining to Crisis Connection, Minnesota’s 24/7/365 suicide prevention voice response program.

City Council Considers Bids and Options for Broadway City Hall Project

At a special meeting on Thursday, May 3, (meeting video link) the City Council heard from its Construction Manager (Kraus Anderson) and Architect (Wold) regarding bid results for the Broadway City Hall Project.  With over 100 bids submitted on a variety of work/trade packages, the tabulation resulted in the project coming in at $217,711 over estimated costs.  Kraus Anderson and Wold proceeded to explain the steps they took to prepare construction estimates, as well as reviewed the bid results with the City Council.

Wold went on to present the City Council with concepts that could be considered to reduce construction costs on the project, such as, replacing sections of the brick facade with siding and the elimination of certain architectural features like the pitched roof on the north side of the building.  In addition to building scope changes, the City Council may also consider drawing on $300,000 in funds previously set aside for the Broadway City Hall Project in the City’s Long-Term Financial Plan in the Water and Sanitary Sewer Funds.  As another option, the City Council may choose to reject bids in certain work scopes (earthwork, plumbing, HVAC, and so on) in an attempt to gain more favorable pricing.

The City Council will again discuss options for the Broadway City Hall Project during their work session on Monday, May 7 at 5:30 pm and will likely consider making a final decision on bid award for the project at their regular meeting on Monday, May 21 at 7:00 pm.

Commentary: City projects soon underway

Spring has finally sprung. Strange to think just two weeks ago we had a full-fledged blizzard in Chaska, and a week later the snow was nearly all gone. This week they are predicting severe weather. Only in Minnesota can you get all the seasons in a three-week period.

HYDRANT FLUSHING

The City of Carver Public Services Department will begin its annual hydrant flushing April 24, 2018, and is expected to be completed by mid-May.  Hydrant flushing serves two purposes:

  • To ensure proper operation and to purge stagnant water and natural minerals that may be deposited in the distribution system; and
  • Hydrants identified as needing maintenance are repaired following the completion of flushing.

Residents are advised that the change in water flow patterns resulting from hydrant flushing may stir up mineral deposits in city water mains.   During hydrant flushing, it is not unusual for residents to periodically experience discolored water, pressure changes, and/or an increased chlorine odor.  Although safe for human consumption, if you experience discolored water, you may correct the problem by opening all cold water faucets and allow them to run at the same time until the water clears.  If you have any questions, contact [email protected]