by Anna Phalen
Correspondent
At the Crookston City Council meeting Monday, March 2, much of the discussion centered on riverbank erosion concerns near the library bridge and several upcoming infrastructure projects.
During the forum portion of the meeting, Ken and Gayle Meyers – with Gayle participating by speaker phone – addressed the council regarding ongoing bank erosion near the library bridge on Houston Avenue. The Meyers came to Crookston to teach at the University of Minnesota Crookston and said they are concerned about the stability of the area.
Gayle Meyer told the council she has been in contact with state legislators about potential legislation that would help ease the financial burden on cities dealing with residential land erosion issues. She indicated the language for the proposed bill must be prepared within the next three weeks.Meyer said she has been told a landslide in the affected area is possible. She noted that demolition costs for a home under 3,000 square feet are approximately $18,000. According to Meyer, preliminary figures suggest the city’s contribution toward a larger mitigation effort could total around $1.35 million.
Mayor Dale Stainbrook said the City would continue moving forward on the issue and remain in contact with Interim City Administrator Darin Selzler and Public Works Director Chuck Getsman.
Engineering reports
Under the regular agenda, the council approved Task Order No. 25 from AE2S for preparation of preliminary engineering reports for the city’s 2026 priority infrastructure projects.
The $41,000 task order covers reports for:
• Lift Station 5 rehabilitation
• Strander Street and South Minnesota Avenue improvements
• Front Street stormwater outfall improvements
As part of its consent agenda, the council approved:
• Appointment of Theresa Tahran as the City of Crookston’s representative to the Polk County Affordable Housing Advisory Board
• A resolution calling for a public hearing on Monday, March 16 for public comment and input on the Small Cities Block application
