Hurley's US 51 project set to start by end of month

By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

Hurley — The start of Hurley’s U.S. 51 utility reconstruction project is now less than three weeks away as remaining snow quickly melts.

“We should start the job on the 29th,” said Scott Santini, Hurley’s Public Works Director, at a Tuesday evening meeting of the Hurley City Council.

He added that the city is already preparing for the work.

“We’re figuring out some of the sewer issues,” said Santini. “We’re cameraing those, getting things set up so we don’t have any setbacks when they start later this month.”

The $2.3 million project will be led by Jake’s Excavating and Landscaping of Ironwood.

Although all systems are go, councilman Thomas Lanctoe expressed exasperation in attending last week’s pre-construction meeting.

“The only thing I hear is changeovers, changeovers, changeovers,” he said of the April 3 session set by the Rhinelander office of MSA Professional Services, which is leading the project’s planning and engineering.

“The original plans were all approved,” said Santini.

He said the project had been given a thumbs up by the first Wisconsin Department of Transportation official who had been assigned to the project.

“Then, they got a new guy at the DOT,” said Santini, adding that person had a different perspective in relation to various project details.

Santini said he expects more changeovers as the project progresses.

Mayor Joanne Bruneau asked whether the council will be confirming those changes. Santini said the designated engineering firm will process the more minor requests.

By relying on their expertise, he said the project will not face so much stalling as it would if the council had to review every single changeover.

In related news, council members also voted to approve interim financing to cover the utility project. The financing will be with Chippewa Valley Bank of Hurley with the contingency of no prepayment penalty and a rate that does not exceed 4.75%.

The action was recommended by the city’s Finance Committee, as reported by committee chairwoman Stephanie Smith.

Bruneau said after the meeting that the amount of funds needed has not yet been determined, but the need is temporary.

The city received a $1 million Community Development Block Grant to help fund the project, and state funding also will be pursued.

Meanwhile, Jeff Seamandel, a project manager with MSA, had recommended earlier this year for the council to seek interim financing.

Council members also:

—Learned that DPW worker Gary Laguna has been named as Wisconsin Water Operator of the Year. Council members and other meeting attendees cheered and clapped for Laguna, whose nomination had just been announced at the previous March 12 council meeting.

—At the recommendation of Planning and Zoning, voted to approve a conditional use permit for the placement of a septic system on the U.S. 51 South property of Theresa and Tim Conti, who hope to build some cabins there.

—Adopted a camera surveillance policy for City Hall.

—Approved a Combination Class B Beer and Liquor license for Spider’s Sports Bar at 217-219 Silver St., with Daniel J. Moncher listed as the agent.

—Approved a $2,000 donation to Hurley Area Youth Softball and Baseball.

—Heard Santini request that the council consider approving the hiring of summer workers for his department.

—Heard Police Chief Chris Colassaco report on plans for the coming Memorial Day Weekend ATV/UTV Rally from May 23-26. He said that Silver Street will be blocked from 4 to 11 p.m. on May 24, with plans for a street dance with live music before and after the 7 p.m. ATV parade. Cleanup is expected from 10 to 11 p.m. During the festivities, Colossaco said that some downtown bars will serve beverages on the street.

All votes were unanimous with Joseph Pinardi absent.

In relation to the April 2 election, the council’s reorganizational meeting will be held on April 16 at 4:15 p.m. in the Hurley City Hall.