NEW ULM – The 2026 surface reconstruction project and utility street and alley improvement projects were approved by the New Ulm City Council Tuesday, following two public hearings.

The first public hearing was for the surface reconstruction projects on Jonathon Drive from Summit Avenue to the South Leg of McIntosh Drive and Cottonwood Street from Broadway to Bridge Street. Both surface projects involve the removal and replacement of the road surfacing. No underground utility work is planned with the surfacing project.

The Engineer’s preliminary estimate for the project is $318,330 and will be funded through the Street Department budget. The recommended amount to be specially assessed is $83,460 or 26% of the estimated final Project cost.

Anne-lise Johnson, a resident of Jonathon Drive, asked about the timeline for the reconstruction project and if any assessments had been calculated.

City Engineer Joe Stadheim said the Street Department generally starts these projects after July 4. The anticipated start would be late July or early August. Residents living on the road would be contacted by city staff a week before the project begins.

Assessments for surface reconstruction are conducted on a per parcel basis, excluding corner lots. It was estimated Johnson’s parcel would be assessed $2,140 that is payable over a 10-year period.

With no other comments or questions, Councilor Eric Warmka made a motion to authorize staff to prepare plans for the project and order the Street Department to construct the project. Councilor David Christian second the project. It was approved by the council.

The second public hearing is for the 2026 Utility, Street and Alley Improvement projects. This list of projects included street and utility improvements on N. State Street and Oakwood Avenue, as well as five alley block sections and some sidewalk improvements.

The improvements to States Street include the section of road adjacent to the Brown County Fairgrounds from 12th N. to 16th N. The Oakwood Avenue improvements are for the section of road from Hazelwood Avenue to Hollywood Avenue. The improvements for both projects will include reconstruction of the existing water main, sanitary sewer main, sewer and water end services, storm sewer modifications, and reconstruction of the existing roadway section, concrete curb and gutter, pedestrian sidewalk ramps, street lighting and selective replacement of concrete driveway pavement.

The alley reconstruction projects include a section of alley from 12th South Street to 11th South Street between Minnesota Street and German Street; alley from 11th South Street to 10th South Street between Minnesota Street and German Street; alley from 10th South Street to 9th South Street between Minnesota Street and German Street; Alley from 9th South Street to 8th South Street between Minnesota Street and German Street and alley from Center Street to 1st North Street between Payne Street and Garden Street.

The preliminary estimate for the project is $3.95 million with an approximate bonding need of $2.39 million.

A property owner on North State Street asked about receiving a double-bill on the assessment because he owns two properties on one corner lot.

Stadheim said the assessments were based on property frontage. Since there was only one parcel fronting State Street, it would be the only parcel assessed. The assessment amount proposed for State Street for a residential parcel is $4,750.

Ruth Ann Webster on S. German Street asked about the assessment cost to her alley, but also asked if a lilac bush on the alley side needed to be trimmed back.

Stadheim said he was not certain if the lilac bush would be impacted by the reconstruction but would have staff check with Webster on whether trimming was needed before construction started. The assessments on the alley were proposed at $65 per linear foot.

Christian made the motion to order in the 2026 Utility, Street and Alley Improvement Project with a second from Warmka. It was approved by the board.