Dust balls just below the surface are the cause of damage to bituminous roads paved in 2007.
City Engineer Phil Martin recalled the same type of damage occurred after roads were paved in 2001. He explained the damage was caused by fist-size or smaller dust balls coated in oil that "pop" with the moisture and freezing during winter.
"We noticed when chunks were fairly large and had the contractor pull them out," Martin said.
Martin estimates more than 100 areas on Belgian and Percheron roads that need repair and said they will check again in May. He indicated the issue would fall under the contractor's one-year warranty on the project.
In other business Monday, the council:
Approved the mediation agreement between the city and Tom's Backhoe regarding work completed by Tom's Backhoe on 2007 road improvements. The council also approved payment of the city's $1,000 share of the cost of mediation.
Authorized Public Works Director Tim Polipnick to obtain bids to replace the 30-year-old leaky roof on the waste treatment building.
Directed Polipnick to find out more about the city participating in an emerald ash borer detection survey proposed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Agreed in concept to the idea of a geo cache, but opposed the recommended placement in the city's cemetery. The council handed the issue to the cemetery commission for recommendation.
