Douglas County has added a new road to maintain – or at least a portion of a road. At its Tuesday, April 20, regular board meeting, Douglas County commissioners approved an agreement with Ida Township to transfer ownership of a portion of Pilgrim Point Road – from County Road 34 to the west – from the township to the county.
In addition, the newly acquired road, which is about half a mile in length, has a new name. The commissioners approved a resolution designating the road as County Road 116. The changes are effective May 1.
Douglas County Public Works Director Tim Erickson said that he met with the Ida Township and they had no issues with the county taking over the road. He said they approved the action at their meeting and signed off on the road.
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The new County Road 116 leads into Pilgrim Point. The county recently purchased property within the area and will be developing an 8.2-acre parcel on the point. A swimming beach will be the most prominent attraction but there is room for other amenities. The Public Works department is currently working what those amenities will be.
The plan is to remove old structures and construct a parking lot and entrance yet this year and then the goal is to have the park open for swimming and picnicking in 2022.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Erickson was reappointed as the county engineer. He was first hired and appointed in May 2020 after the former engineer Dave Robley retired. That appointment was for one year.
According to the resolution adopted by the commissioners on Tuesday, Erickson met the performance objectives set for him by the commissioners and because of that, he was reappointed for a four-year term – from May 1, 2021, through April 30, 2025.
In other action
Commissioners approved several other items at Tuesday’s meeting, including:
Letter of support for Nystrom and Associates , which is opening an outpatient counseling program in Alexandria. They will be providing substance use disorder treatment services for adults and adolescents who have co-occurring disorders. The will be located at 305 30th Ave. W.
An agreement with Alexandria Public Schools for the transportation of students who have been placed in foster care.
Hiring of CliftonLarsonAllen for consulting services related to the American Rescue Plan Act. Douglas County is expected to receive $7.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act money and the auditing firm will help guide the county on its usage.
A resolution to support One Watershed, One Plan planning projects in the Chippewa River Watershed.
Contract renewal for septic services with Alexandria Township. The approved contract is now a perpetual contract that will run until terminated or revised by either party.
Contract with Mark Sand and Gravel for the 2021 paving projects. Their bid ($5.5 million) was 14.09% under the engineer’s estimate ($6.4 million).
Contract with Minnerath Construction Inc. for grading work on County Road 9. Their bid ($776,040) was 19.09% under the engineer’s estimate ($959,092).
