You hear everything these days with the economy and tariffs and such, but apparently pavement not much impacted by that”

Public Works Director Ryan Burfeind

Bids are in for the Hidden Valley Pavement Management Project.

Acting at the March 19 regular meeting, the city awarded pavement management for the project to McNamara Contracting Inc in the amount of $2.739,406.95. Three other bids were received, from Bituminous Roadways, Inc. in the amount of $2,797,313, Northwest Asphalt Inc. in the amount of $2,829,024.41, and OMG Midwest Inc., doing business as Minnesota Paving and Materials, for $2,931,703.58. Motion to award the bid McNamara was made by Council member Justin Olsen and seconded by Council Member David Thiede, passing unanimously.
“You hear everything these days with the economy and tariffs and such, but apparently pavement not much impacted by that,” Public Works Director Ryan Burfeind said of the bids prior to voting. An engineering estimate of the project had previously come up with a figure of $3.1 million for estimated project cost.
The bid award to McNamara now paves the way for the project to start later this year, with residents due to receive a mailer from the city for a neighborhood meeting before project start.
Also at the March 19 Council meeting, K9 Riggs made his big debut for Cottage Grove Public Safety. A therapy dog meant to enhance emotional support, K9 Riggs will be partnered with Detective Scott Shaver. Among K9 Riggs’ job responsibilities include providing emotional support and community connections, accompanying Detective Shaver to Case Management Unit (CMU) calls and community outreach events, assisting in calls where his emotional support can help foster trust and provide comfort during difficult situations, and brining smiles to everyone he meets while showcasing a playful, quirky puppy personality.
K9 Riggs was 12 weeks old as of March 19.
“It’s something that we’re really excited about,” Cottage Grove Sergeant Mike McCormick said in introducing Riggs. “If anyone follows our Facebook anything that has a thousand likes, he’s on.”