NEW ULM – The City Council is expected to award a bid estimated at $103,700 for the poured-in-place playground surfacing project at Hermann Heights Park at its Tuesday meeting.

The surfacing project is the first step in creating New Ulm’s first inclusive playground.

The surfacing will support a rubber fall zone. The rubber surface provides ease in maneuvering wheelchairs for mobility-impaired children. It has a lower cost for maintenance compared to wood chips, which are currently used at some parks.

The city began advertising for bids last month. The old playground equipment has been removed from the site, and new equipment is on order.

The Park and Recreation Department has budgeted $200,000 for this project.

New Ulm Medical Center Foundation is donating at least $50,000 toward the project.

In other action, the Council will consider awarding contracts for the 2016 MSAS projects that includes improvements to German Street and 17th South. The improvements included grading, aggregate base, storm sewer extension, concrete curb and gutter, sidewalk, as well as trees and boulevard restoration.

Estimated cost is $719,000.

The council meets at 5 p.m. at city hall.

RENU Committee

to hear proposals

from city staff

The Reinvest New Ulm (RENU) Committee and city staff will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, at city hall.

The purpose of the meeting is to seek public input on the project proposals that could be financed by the renewal of the half-cent local option sales tax that expires in 2020.

David Schnobrich from Community Development and Brian Tohal from New Ulm Enomic Development Corporation will discuss a proposal relating to the purchase of a 44-acre tract of land on west edge of Airport Industrial Park.

New Ulm City Manager Brian Gramentz will discuss the purchase of 30 acres of land to relocate the Minnesota Army National Guard Field Maintenance Shop and Armory.