Property owner Ted Ebnet contacted Breezy Point city staff to discuss placing crushed asphalt on Wild Acres Road using a cost sharing approach.

Staff believes that crushed asphalt is an acceptable way to maintain the road, depending on the cost sharing arrangements. Public Works Director Tim Polipnick put together options and shared them in the city council's regular meeting packet July 7.

"This is a great example of cooperation by city and landowners," said council member Kent Brothen.

Other road projects - new and old - were on the agenda as well.

After several months of dispute over partial payments and work delays, the council approved a resolution to accept work completed by Tom's Backhoe Service on 2007 road construction and utility improvement projects.

The agreement states the city will pay $190,000 and specifies that $50,000 is for change orders, $45,000 is a refund for liquidated damages held back by the city.

The remaining $95,000 is in the form of retainage release. The city will continue retainage of approximately $5,000 to be released to at a later date, pending final completion of all contract related matters.

On the subject of planning for road improvements, the council authorized staff to formally meet with Crow Wing County, the cities of Pequot Lakes and Jenkins, and Ideal and Jenkins townships to gauge interest in multi-jurisdictional improvements to Buschmann and Ranchette North roads, given the logistical and financial benefits.

These roads were originally planned for 2008 improvements, but were removed from the plan for further consideration.

Public input on improvements for Buschmann and Ranchette was gathered at a public meeting in April.

Council member Diane Williams asked, "This doesn't lock us into anything, right?"

"Believe me, this is a big puzzle," said Polipnick, reassuring that discussions are still very much in preliminary stages. "The result could be that no other entity is involved."

Looking ahead to possible road improvements for 2009, the council approved the feasibility report as presented by City Engineer Phil Martin. A public hearing was set for 7 p.m. July 28 to solicit input from seasonal property owners impacted by the proposed improvements and, in particular, Dellwood Drive.

As far as completed road work is concerned, Breezy Point resident Jerry Smieja continues to be dissatisfied with the condition of his property as a result of work completed on Breezy Point Drive.

Smieja requests the city "restore the property to its pre-damaged condition," and has retained attorney Bruce Bundgaard to represent him in the matter.

Bundgaard was not present at Monday's meeting; however, he did submit a letter that was included in the council's meeting packet. The letter made reference to Smieja's "Option 2" that includes construction of a retaining wall.

Council member Kent Brothen and Smieja intend to meet to try to negotiate an acceptable resolution to the matter.