(Arnolds Park)– Problems have cropped up with the Highway 71 Streetscape Project in Arnolds Park.
The project involves the installation of exposed aggregate concrete and pavers between the sidewalk and curb along both sides of the highway, along with some retaining walls being constructed at the intersections of Lake Street and Highway 71 and Broadway and Highway 71.
The city council learned Wednesday the project is about 59 percent complete. And the completion deadline is just days away.
City Administrator Ron Walker reported most of the work that’s been done so far has been deemed deficient by the city’s engineer on the project. Most of the concern is with the exposed concrete aggregate and pavers. Walker told the council the engineer has discovered the concrete wasn’t sealed to protect it from road salt; some expansion joints are missing; banding on the retaining wall at Lake Street isn’t correct; and some brick pavers are shifting and uneven.
Walker reported the contractor…who’s from outside the area…is well aware of the deficiencies and has been warned by the Department of Transportation to do something about it or the firm will be removed from the project. But it was the concensus of the council to recommend the D-O-T keep the contractor on the job for now. Otherwise, Walker said the contractor could no longer be held liable for the aggregate and pavers already installed.
Meanwhile it was reported work on the cemetary retaining walls and war memorial project continues to go smoothly, and that there are no issues over the quality of the work going on there. That project is being carried out by a local firm.
The council also adopted an amendment to the city’s zoning ordinance making it possible to construct “stick-built” homes in mobile home districts. The change is the result of a request from Pelican Ridge which wants to allow “stick-built” homes in a new addition they’re planning.
