Utility project continues along U.S. 51 in Hurley

By PAMELA JANSSON

pjansson@yourdailyglobe.com

Hurley — Members of the Hurley City Council learned on Tuesday evening that the city’s utility construction work along U.S. 51/2nd Avenue is progressing without issue.

Caleb Radtke, an engineer with MSA Professional Services’ Rhinelander office, said that Phase 1, which included the area from Copper to Silver streets, is complete.

He said Phases 2 and 3 are now underway, with sanitary sewer and water utility lines being replaced from Iron to Copper streets and Silver to Bernard streets.

Asphalt placement was expected Wednesday on the southbound lane between Iron and Copper streets.

Meanwhile, traffic continues to be diverted around the construction zone.

Radtke reminded that progress meetings, which are open to the public, occur each week at 1 p.m. in the city garage.

In related news, the council approved a resolution to declare official intent to reimburse expenditures paid with borrowed funds for the current utility reconstruction project.

The resolution is a requirement in relation to the city’s application for a safe drinking water grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Council members hope that state grants will help to cover remaining project costs.

In other news, City Attorney Ray O’Dea reported that ICORE has received an offer from the Canadian National Railway to sell its local, dormant railway grade for $175,000.

ICORE, which stands for Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts, has been working with the city to acquire a few miles of railway grade so that it can create a new, paved walking and biking trail.

The group’s members hope to connect the Hurley Trailhead and the Iron Belle Trail with the help of grant funds and donations.

Council members also:

—Learned from Stephanie Innis, who chairs the council’s Finance Committee, that no bid was received for a remodeling of the clerk’s office area. She said that city officials will consider making direct inquiries.

—Voted to request a proposal for a sewer rate study from Clifton LarsonAllen, LLP in Minneapolis. According to a related resolution passed by the council, “A sewer rate study will be completed to ensure the rate increase is sufficient to cover operating and maintenance expenses, and to replenish the equipment replacement fund.”

—Approved the city’s annual payment of $200 to maintain membership in the Hurley Chamber of Commerce.

—Learned from Scott Santini, director of Public Works, that summer help have been working on patching potholes and weeding and watering flowers.

—Approved advertising to hire a DPW laborer.

All votes were unanimous with all members present.

The timing of the next two council meetings will diverge from the normal pattern of the second Tuesday of the month. The remaining regular summer meetings will be on July 16 and Aug. 4, beginning at 5 p.m. in the Hurley City Hall.