Phase one construction of bike trail

approved

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Phase one of the New Ulm Recreational Trail project got a push-start from the City Council when it ordered in construction on its first phase Tuesday night.

At an estimated cost of about $550,000, construction on the first segment of the proposed bike trail, which eventually will circle the city, is expected to start either in July or August, according to City Engineer Steve Koehler. When engineering, easement acquisition and miscellaneous costs are added, the first phase, which includes nearly 5 miles of bituminous trail, will cost nearly $750,000.

Most of the project funding comes from the federal government in the amount of $425,000 in TEA-21 funds. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is kicking in another $102,000. The City of New Ulm will provide the remaining $223,000.

In a separate action later in the meeting, the council accepted the $102,000 payment from the DNR.

However, it was debate on a request by David Boie for a 5-foot variance for building a garage on his property at 1418 Cherry Street that took up most of the council's time.

Boie sought the variance so he could build a large garage at the back of his lot with a side entrance that would make it easier for him to store his boat and vehicles in the garage.

While he was opposed by two neighbors, including his next-door neighbor, he offered letters from four other neighbors supporting Boie's plan.

When Councilor Joel Albrecht, who is a member of the Board of Zoning Adjustment which recommended against the plan, said he wished the board had had the supporting letters when the decision was made. Council President Dan Beranek cut Albrecht off, saying, "I don't think we want the neighbors voting on this."

Councilor Clark Tuttle said he felt that what Boie was asking for was not unreasonable and was consistent with council action on previous yard variance requests for garages. However, the request was denied on a 3-2 vote.

When council action turned to approving an agreement with DM&E for improvements of the mainline and pass track surface crossings at 3rd South Street, Councilor Ron Fleischmann begged to make the motion.

"I've had so many bad experiences I won't drive my car across this crossing," Fleischmann said. "Mr. President, please let me make this motion."

The council approved all liquor, beer and wine on- and off-sale license requests, as well as granting a lawful gambling license to the New Ulm Boosters Club. A license for River View Sanitation, Inc., owned by Kevin and Kathy Finstad of New Ulm, to operate a commercial garbage service also was approved..

Councilors approved Mayor Arnold Koelpin's appointments of Roberta Hintz to the Heritage Preservation Commission for a two-year term and Jim Bastian to an unexpired term ending Dec. 31 and Diane Eick to a two-year term on the Human Rights Commission.

They also received notice of an election for four-year terms for mayor and councilor in Wards 2 and 4. Incumbents are Koelpin, Ron Fleischmann in Ward 2 and Clark Tuttle III in Ward 4.