Melrose Council Greenlights Dam Study, Approves Labor Deals and Loader Purchase

MELROSE — November 16, 2017 — Melrose, Minn., city council advances rock arch rapids dam study and approves labor contracts. The council voted unanimously November 16 to include a rock arch rapids dam replacement option in its pending environmental assessment worksheet for the Sauk River channel realignment project, a step that adds approximately $4,500 to existing engineering costs but positions the city for grant funding from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund, the LCCMR, and the Clean Water Land and Legacy Fund. DNR area hydrologist Nicki — full name unclear from transcript — told the council that the city's dam is ranked 43rd on the state priority list and that a shovel-ready posture dramatically improves grant competitiveness. The full channel realignment and bridge project is estimated at $4.2 million, with city costs projected near $1.7 million before grant offsets; the rock arch component alone could run $750,000 to $1 million. The council also ratified three-year LELS and AFSCME collective bargaining agreements, approved a longevity pay adjustment costing just under $15,000 annually, and authorized purchase of a Volvo front-end loader at $145,420 after trade-in — under the $160,000 budgeted figure.