MONTEVIDEO -- Ehlers and Associates of Roseville will serve as bond consultants to assist the city of Montevideo and Chippewa County to determine the best financing options for the estimated $30 million hospital and clinic expansion and renovation.
Montevideo City Council members at their meeting on Monday approved a letter of understanding with the firm. The firm outlined the range of services that will be provided to the county and city for the project. The firm has served as bond consultant on a variety of previous issues for the city.
The county and city are exploring all of their financing options at this point, according to Steve Jones, city manager.
The anticipated cost for the firm's services on $30 million in finances is $59,850.
In other business, council members accepted an offer from Chippewa County and will take possession of park land south of the Fine Arts building. It is presently used as a VFW Park.
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The city plans to upgrade the park and replace the playground equipment there.
It was originally deeded to the county by George and Martha Frink in 1872 to be maintained as a park for the Village of Montevideo. The property was the site of the original county courthouse.
In other matters, council members approved:
- A resolution calling on the state Legislature to increase funding for the Pioneerland Library System, which has seen its state aid decrease.
- A 3 percent increase in compensation for the mayor and City Council members. The increase sets the mayor's and City Council members' annual compensation at $5,600. It is effective Jan. 1.
- An hourly rate contract with Ervin Construction of Maynard to clean out sedimentation in the old river channel in Smith Park. The channel serves to hold and filter storm water. Sedimentation has reduced the storage capacity and negatively affected the appearance of the area. The contract sets hourly rates depending on equipment used.
