The most notable topic addressed was the Lovelin Sport Court reconstruction project, which faced unexpected challenges due to poor soil conditions. This necessitated the removal of organic materials and their replacement with a thicker gravel base, resulting in a 13% cost overrun, adding approximately $30,000 to the budget. Furthermore, a recommendation to install a fiber mesh product beneath the acrylic surfacing to prevent future settlement issues added an additional $12,000, increasing the project budget by about 4%. Despite these unexpected costs, the council, after a brief discussion, approved the change order, with support from the city administrator and technical clarifications regarding warranties and specifications.

Another topic was the development of Newport Station, also known as Red Rock Square phase 3. The city planner presented the development agreement, which had been previously approved in July. The agreement included over $90,000 in parkland dedication fees and approximately $78,000 in sewer and water fees for a minimum of 51 residential units, with the potential for up to 53 units. Despite some concerns about the urgency of approving an incomplete document, the planner assured the council that the blanks in the agreement were only cost-related and had been reviewed by the city engineer. The council approved the development agreement, allowing the developer to proceed with their construction timeline. The developer also proposed a change in the building’s facade material, substituting a different brick for the originally proposed stone, which was noted in the planner’s additional update.

The meeting also included updates on the 2025 street utility reconstruction project, where the city engineer reported that water and sewer improvements on Second Avenue had been completed. The project continued with the grading of the road and plans for curb and gutter installation, with potential paving in early October. The contractor, Meer Contracting, submitted a partial payment request.

In addition, the water system interconnect project along Century Avenue was highlighted. This project involves connecting Newport’s water system to that of Cottage Grove. Despite encountering unexpected rock, which complicated the project, A1 Excavating completed the installation of water mains. The council was asked to authorize a first partial payment application, funded through the 3M PIFA settlement, which requires upfront payment by the city followed by reimbursement from trustees. The council approved this payment.

The council also discussed a program funded by the EPA and the Minnesota Department of Health to replace lead service lines, despite not believing any exist within the city. Mailers were sent to property owners to verify the material of their water service lines, encouraging participation in the program. Another mailer will be sent to those with unknown service lines, emphasizing the opportunity for homeowners to replace lead pipes at no cost. This initiative highlights the council’s dedication to public health and leveraging available funding for community benefit.

In other council business, the appointment of Ruth Smith to the library advisory committee was approved, filling the term of Christina Rom. The meeting concluded with council comments, including insights from the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative annual meeting, focusing on pollution and sustainable economies, and a reminder of the upcoming fire department Booya event, a popular community gathering featuring a liquor raffle and children’s games.