The Pine River City Council announced the publication of the environmental assessment worksheet for the dam project at its Tuesday, April 14, regular council meeting.
A digital copy of the worksheet findings is available at https://www.bolton-menk.com/clientsites/pine-river-dam-removal-and-rock-riffle-replacement .
In summation, the EAW reviews the project from 2013, when a feasibility study for various dam repair or replacement options began, until now. The EAW proposes in its overview that the project will improve the area watershed as a whole by removing barriers along the waterway.
In other business April 14, the council:
- Approved a public hearing for a bond request by Essentia Health to finance the completion of the city's outpatient clinic.
- Approved a resolution of support for the Walker Public Works Department to apply for a grant to buy a vacuum trailer for cleaning sanitary sewer districts. The grant is for the city of Walker to buy equipment, but other area cities, including Pine River, would be able to share the equipment.
- Agreed to delay revolving loan payments for March, April and May for Cozy Cottage Cafe. The cafe owner also requested an extension of the contract for three months.
- Postponed citywide cleanup indefinitely due to fees for disposal and policy changes at the local transfer station.
- Granted Clerk Terri Dabill freedom to consider waiving late fees and disconnect orders for water customers if given sufficient reasons to do so.
- Tabled a decision to accept bids for the upcoming street project, which came in much higher than anticipated.
- Agreed that it would be best not to install benches, donated to the city by Central Lakes Rotary, at the dam until the dam project is done.
Travis Grimler may be reached at 218-855-5853 or travis.grimler@pineandlakes.com. Follow him on Facebook and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@PEJ_Travis.
