Fixing the front steps at Brainerd City Hall will cost less than anticipated.
Original estimates to repair the weathered granite steps came in between $92,000-$102,000. But after exploratory work, city council members approved a revised scope of work Aug. 3 at a cost of $56,906.60.
Mike Angland of Widseth and Kevin Currie Contegrity Group — both contractors on the city hall remodel project — outlined the new scope of work, which Baratto Brothers Construction will do.
After removing and salvaging the existing granite on the steps, contractors were able to get a better picture of stairs’ existing foundation, Angland said.
Next, crews will pour concrete steps to be covered with the refinished granite and exposed aggregate treads to prevent slipping hazards on the stairs. This plan, Angland said, will ensure the longevity of the steps.
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The main issue with the stairs was a lack of a solid foundation, which has caused water infiltration that led to shifting during freeze/thaw cycles, resulting in unevenness and a slippery texture.
In other business Monday, the council:
Accepted the retirement of Parks Director Tony Sailer, who has been with the city for almost 21 years. Sailer’s last working day will be Dec. 18, and he will then draw down his vacation balance until Feb. 12.
Appointed Brenda Billman-Arndt to the newly formed parking commission.
Approved a change order for the northeast Brainerd construction projects at a cost of $16,313. The first item is a contract change to add rock bedding for the water main installation. When the contractor was digging in the water main, crews encountered soils that were not suitable for installing water main on the existing ground. The second item on the change order is for the addition of 100 feet of corrugated metal pipe running from B Street to the stormwater pond. When the street was removed, workers found the bottom of the existing pie was completely rotted out. Brainerd Public Utilities will pay $10,923 for the water main portion, and the city will pay $5,390 for the pipe out of the storm sewer fund.
Authorized repairs on the Laurel Street bridge after heavy summer rains caused a partial washout under the bridge. Staff is not yet sure what the cost will be and is working with the department of transportation to determine if part of the cost will be covered by state aid funds.
Learned “no semi” signs were ordered for the portion of H Street between Mill Avenue and 13th Avenue Northeast to deter large trucks from using the route and encourage them to use Highway 210.
Scheduled a joint meeting with the Crow Wing County Board and the Evergreen Cemetery Board for 4 p.m. Aug. 26 at the cemetery.
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THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa .
