Elbow Lake approves funding for sidewalk project

Jake Sias
Grant County Herald

Council members of Elbow Lake convened to discuss and approve a proposal for a new sidewalk project at Fairhaven Beach. This initiative aims to replace the deteriorating curbing that currently separates the parking lot from the beach area.

City Administrator Jeff Holsen detailed the scope and necessity of the project. “The project is all about some curbing out there that separates the parking lot from the beach area. And that curbing is pretty much cracked open. It doesn’t serve the purpose that we want it to,” Holsen stated. He further noted the curbing has been in place for about 10 to 12 years and is in need of replacement to improve accessibility. “We’d like to talk about putting a handicapped sidewalk where the curbing is. It would lead to the gazebo out there and then go almost all the way to the public access.”

Originally, the project was suggested to be completed by the Lions Club of Elbow Lake, but after conferring with them, it appears their time is already full with other projects throughout the summer. 

Darin Grosz explained that labor costs could be mitigated through community involvement. “Terry Christensen mentioned it at the Lake Association meeting, and he felt confident that if the city was willing to go forward with it, they would be able to find enough people from the Lake Association to come and help with the forming and pouring of the sidewalks,” Grosz said. This will reduce expenses, keeping the project within the estimated $5,000 budget.

The council discussed the logistics of the project, including sourcing materials and labor. Grosz outlined plans to obtain forms from local contractors to facilitate the construction process. “Our plan is to hopefully get enough forms from one of the local contractors around here to be able to do about 100 feet at a time. And there’s 300 feet total, approximately, to do,” Grosz detailed. Construction is expected to begin after the Fourth of July holiday, progressing in sections to manage resources effectively.

Mayor Deb Hengel led the council through the formal approval process. “What we have to do tonight is just approve about before the actual concrete is out, approximately $5,000,” she stated, opening the floor for motions. Council member Darryl Larson moved to approve the funding, which was seconded by Mr. Van Kempen. The council unanimously voted in favor, authorizing the expenditure of up to $5,000 to complete the sidewalk project.