Akeley council hears update on trail project

By Lorie Skarpness

November 20, 2019 09:31 AM

The Akeley Community Projects committee has submitted a letter of intent for the grant application for a Minnesota Department of Transportation TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) grant.

Committee chair Chuck Andress and group members will discuss a proposed agreement with Moore Engineering regarding the project at their meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 at Akeley city hall.

The Akeley council tabled action on the agreement with Moore Engineering until the committee reports back to the council at the regular December meeting.

The proposed project is made up of four areas: restrooms and commons area, trail connection, park amenity improvements and a helicopter pad.

The new, year-round restroom would be constructed to Americans with Disabilities standards. Renovations and improvements would be made to the historical museum, shelter and food service areas along with landscaping of the park.

A trail with bike parking and benches would be constructed from the park to the Heartland State Trail so users could access both areas more easily. Off-street parking, sidewalks, a playground and interpretive kiosk are also planned.

The helicopter pad would be constructed north of the Heartland State Trial on property owned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

According to the document provided by Moore Engineering, the total project cost is estimated at $578,000.

In other action, the council:

Approved a resolution sponsoring the Akeley Paul Bunyan Trail Riders for grant purposes to maintain Round River Drive.
Approved a resolution adopting a lien or assessment for unpaid water and sewer charges.
Designated city hall as the designated polling place for annual city elections.
Set a city budget meeting for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 at city hall.
Heard from a resident with a question about a high water bill dating back to December of 2017. Water and sewer maintenance supervisor Kelly VandenEykl will check into the issue with the resident.

The next Akeley council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 at city hall.

By Lorie Skarpness

Lorie Skarpness has lived in the Park Rapids area since 1997 and has been writing for the Park Rapids Enterprise since 2017. She enjoys writing features about the people and wildlife who call the north woods home.