Hurley prepares for US 51 project this summer

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley - Members of the Hurley City Council learned Tuesday evening that the city's $2.3 million utility construction project is set to start as soon as weather permits.

Jeff Seamandel, a project manager in the Rhinelander office of MSA Professional Services, said he has scheduled an April 3 pre-construction meeting.

He predicted that a May start date for construction led by Jake's Excavating and Landscaping will be set at that meeting.

The session is expected to include representatives of the city, utility companies, contractors, and the state departments of Natural Resources and Transportation.

Scott Santini, Hurley's Department of Public Works lead, also reported that he expects to receive soon about $140,000 in relief funds from Wisconsin Disaster Relief. The Wisconsin Disaster Relief funds are for repairs that were completed on streets in the City of Hurley in 2023.

Council members voted to allocate funds from the ARPA Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to the 2nd Avenue reconstruction of storm sewers.

Santini also said that organizers of all major events in coming months will need to be mindful of how the construction will affect traffic. For example, councilman Jamey Francis - who chairs the city's Police, Fire and License Committee - said that this year's annual ATV parade on May 24 may need to be reconfigured.

Council members also:

-Heard from Bruneau that construction plans for the new Hurley Homes housing project are being finalized via Impact Seven of Rice Lake. The mayor said the council will be able to review the plans soon. Site design also is underway, and an informational meeting for the public is expected soon. "It is going, and it is going good," said the mayor.

-Learned that DPW Employee Gary Laguna has been nominated as Wisconsin Water Operator of the Year. He received a round of applause.

-Voted, at the recommendation of the city's Finance Committee, to approve an increase in the use of city employees' credit cards from $5,000 to $10,000. Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Smith said that Clerk-Treasurer Stacey Wiercinski monitors such usage.

-Voted to appoint Nicole Giancola and Jean Ninefeldt to the Hurley Library Board for 3-year and 1-year terms, respectively.

-Voted to refer to the Planning and Zoning Committee the consideration of a conditional use permit that would allow a septic system on property south of the cemetery and owned by Timothy and Theresa Conti.

-Learned from the mayor that a city resident is considering paying for the construction of a bathroom along the Iron Belle Trail. She said the as yet unnamed person asked whether the city could hook up related water and sewer.

"The water won't be a problem," said Santini, but he estimated that setting up an extended sewer line could cost about $25,000. He wondered whether the person wishing to construct the restroom would be willing to add that cost to his donation.

The mayor said the project would add to city employee responsibilities. "Logistically, we're going to be responsible for the maintenance," she said, but added, "If we can work this out, it will be great."

Councilman Joseph Pinardi said another option would be for the benefactor to donate the money to the Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts, known as ICORE.

During the public comment session, Fire Chief Brock Swartz also warned the council, and in turn the public at large, that conditions conducive to fires are "extremely high."

The council's next regular meeting will be on April 9 at 5 p.m. in the Hurley City Hall.