Hurley to consider contract for work on Second Avenue

By ZACHARY MARANO

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Hurley — The Hurley City Council agreed to “get the ball rolling” for work on Second Avenue by authorizing Jeff Seamandel of the consulting firm MSA Professional Services to bring a contract for them to sign to their next meeting in July.

Street Commissioner Scott Santini said that this project will run the length of Second Avenue from Bernard to Iron streets. Seamandel said that work would not start until 2026. He said that the Wisconsin Department of Transportation would take out the asphalt, pavement and curb and gutter and replace them, as well as rebuild the handicap ramps to bring them in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Seamandel estimated the cost of the project at $1.5 million and identified two funding sources. The first was the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program, which could provide up to $1 million or 67% of the project costs. He said that the application for the CDBG is due in May 2023.

Since the CDBG application process is competitive, Seamandel strongly recommended to complete the design and engineering before submitting with the application. He said the city will earn more points on their application by doing this.

In order to have the design and engineering completed by May, Seamandel said that the city would need to enter into a contract with MSA Professional Services by September, so they can complete surveying before the 2022-2023 winter season. He said that they will find out if their CBDG application was approved in August 2023.

The other funding source was the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Clean and Safe program, with applications due on June 30 and Sept. 30. Seamandel said that the DNR would provide the city with a low interest loan for the water and sewer project.

The city also filed a Compliance Maintenance Annual Report for its wastewater collection system and resolved to inspect private residences for sump pump discharges into the sanitary sewer and continue toward its goal of 100% elimination of clear water drains.

Water Manager Gary Lugana said that after they finishing installing their new water meters, the city needs to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the towns of Carey and Kimball formalizing their sale of water. He said that city attorney Ray O’Dea is drafting such an agreement and it will be presented for the council’s approval at a later date.

Chief Chris Colassaco of the Hurley Police Department attended to meeting to say that city residents can dispose of their garbage on a community cleanup day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 25 at city hall. Photo identification will be required. Items not accepted will include large appliances such as washers and dryers, hazardous materials like paint and oil, tires, electronics and batteries.