After much discussion, the Austin City Council approved resolutions regarding 2020 street improvements during public hearings held on the matter Tuesday evening.

The council approved plans and specifications and ordered advertisements for bids on the following projects:

10th Street Northeast/Southeast (Oakland Place Southeast to Second Avenue Northeast) and Fourth Street Southwest (Oakland Avenue West to First Avenue Southwest)

• Remove existing asphalt pavement (Fourth Street Southwest) existing concrete pavement (10th Street Northeast/Southeast), curb and gutter and deficient sidewalk;
• Replace streets with concrete pavement and aggregate base;
• Storm sewer upgrades and storm water detention structure on 10th Street Northeast/Southeast;
• Replace sanitary sewer mains and manholes as needed;
• Provide ADA pedestrian ramps at intersections and upgrade existing deficient sidewalk; and
• Water and electrical work by Austin Utilities (AU).

The estimated cost for this project is $1,275,000 with funding broken down as follows:

• Municipal State Aid – $800,000
• WWTP Fund 61 – $250,000
• SWUD Fund 67 – $225,000

Fifth Street Southwest (First Avenue Southwest to Fifth Avenue Southwest), Sixth Avenue Southwest (Fourth Street Southwest to Sixth Street Southwest) and Seventh Street Southwest (Fourth Avenue Southwest to Fifth Avenue Southwest)

• Removal of existing asphalt pavement, curb and gutter and deficient sidewalk;
• Replace with new curb and gutter, asphalt pavement and aggregate base;
• Upgrade storm sewer;
• Replace sanitary sewer mains and manholes as needed;
• Provide ADA pedestrian ramps at intersections and upgrade existing deficient sidewalk; and
• Water and electrical work by AU.

The estimated cost for this project is $900,000 with funding broken down as follows:

• Assessment Bonds – $750,000
• WWTP Fund 61 – $50,000
• SWUD Fund 67 – $100,000

Fifth Avenue Northeast (Oakland Place Northeast to 19th Street Northeast)

• Removal of existing asphalt pavement, curb and gutter and deficient sidewalk;
• Replace with new curb and gutter, asphalt pavement and aggregate base;
• Upgrade storm sewer;
• Replace sanitary sewer mains and manholes as needed;
• Provide ADA pedestrian ramps at intersections and upgrade existing deficient sidewalk; and
• Water and electrical work by AU.

The estimated cost for this project is $600,000 with funding broken down as follows:

• Assessment Bonds – $425,000
• WWTP Fund 61 – $100,000
• SWUD Fund 67 – $75,000

Seventh Street Northwest (Eighth Avenue Northwest to 13th Avenue Northwest) and Ninth Avenue Northwest (Fourth Street Northwest to Eighth Street Northwest)

• Removal of existing asphalt pavement, curb and gutter and deficient sidewalk;
• Replace with new curb and gutter, asphalt pavement and aggregate base;
• Upgrade storm sewer;
• Replace sanitary sewer mains and manholes as needed;
• Provide ADA pedestrian ramps at intersections and upgrade existing deficient sidewalk; and
• Water and electrical work by AU.

The estimated cost for this project is $1,225,000 with funding broken down as follows:

• Assessment Bonds – $950,000
• WWTP Fund 61 – $100,000
• SWUD Fund 67 – $175,000

Additional details on each project can be found at www.ci.austin.mn.us/city-council.

The council also voted to set the project assessment rate public hearings for March 16.

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Dangerous dogs

The council unanimously approved the preparation, adoption and publication of an amendment to the city’s dangerous dog ordinance during Tuesday’s meeting. Under the amendment, appeals for “dangerous dog” and “potentially dangerous dog” designations will carry a non-refundable $75 fee.

The amendment also calls on owners of dogs designated as “dangerous” who are making an appeal to pay a deposit equal to the cost of impounding said dog. The cost will be calculated based on 21 days of potential impounding pending the hearing. The city currently charges an impounding fee of $20, plus $10 for each additional day, meaning the cost for 21 days of impoundment is $230.