The Marshall City Council voted to approve the second reading of an ordinance authorizing and directing Mayor Julie Schwetz or Marshall Municipal Utilities’ General Manager Jeff Bergstrom to execute an agreement between the city and its Board of Public Works and the United States of America for the use of funds for the construction of broadband infrastructure during its meeting on Monday, June 1.
MMU General Manager Jeff Bergstrom explained this is the USDA Reconnect Rural Broadband 50/50 loan/grant funding- $575,000 of each- for the project. Bergstrom said once the project is complete, the coverage area will be about two miles outside the city limits of Marshall. He said some areas it will cover more than two miles, but in other areas it will be a little less.
The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance for Septagon Construction to replace the roof on the building on Benton Avenue. Bergstrom explained once demolition of the power plant begins, the staff there will be moved to that building. The cost of the roof will be $98,705.
The council also approved the first reading of another ordinance for an agreement with Septagon for repairs and upgrades to the Benton Avenue property. Those repairs and upgrades are the tune of $119,250. The first reading was approved by a 4-2 vote.
The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance for an agreement with SAK Construction LLC. Bergstrom explained this a budgeted item for MMU’s Cured-In-Place sewer project. It is budgeted for $300,000. Bergstrom said MMU tries to upgrade about 10,000 feet of sewer main rehab every year.