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er projects and was familiar working with the Met Council.

“Good, I just wanted to be sure that we were comfortable that we’re going to be getting great service for the price we’re going to pay,” Olsen told Burfiend. With alternates one and three both being added on to a base bid of $3,125,615, the total project cost approved in the bid from Geisslinger & Sons amounts to $3,558,880.50.

Olsen’s next question, meanwhile, was about manholes.

“As you’re keenly aware that tends to be a hot topic with people,” he said, “particularly on your more well-traveled roadways.” Over time, he said, manholes tended to sink, causing problems for cars.

“Can you explain the difference with the manholes you just talked about and how that will…keep the manhole flush with the road?” Olsen asked.

“Certainly, Council Member Olsen,” Burfiend rejoined. “So, you’re probably used to driving around town, you get that very annoying ‘thump’,” Burfiend said. “That’s something that happens over time, sometimes from putting on thin overlays on the pavement, but also sometimes from the manhole itself. So how to avoid the cold weather physics drop?

“Specifically this lining does help to prevent any issues with that manhole or the ground around it moving,” he said. Looking to the future and where things are going, the manhole would be behind the curb line, Burfiend said, “so people won’t be able to drive on it anyway,” he said. With Olsen satisfied, Mayor Bailey stepped in to take the mic over.

“Any other Council concerns on this end?” he asked. Seeing none, he asked for a motion, being provided one in due course by Council Member Dave Thiede, seconded by Olsen.