North Star Report #14

Potholes, City Council Meeting, Round Up and State of the City

Mar 17, 2023

Before we get into the newsletter, I want to acknowledge, potholes are going to be horrendous this year. The freeze and thaw cycles we have had will make it a bad spring. The same folks that are moving our snow are also the pothole crew. The best we can do at the moment is put “cold mix” in to fill the holes which are immediately washed out during a rain or snow event. The “hot mix” won’t be ready until pavement temps reach about 40-45 degrees. This allows for a better fix as hot mix adheres to the pavement lasting longer, whereas cold mix does not. Here is a list of the street projects we are going to complete in 2023 (note potholes will still be filled but these roads are getting significant work)

I’m sure you’re also wondering- how potholes form. Well, MnDOT and I have you covered- here are a few slides from MnDot that tell us the science behind them (hat tip for the slides from a guy I went to college with and MnDot Pro Jake Loesch- follow him on Twitter if you want to stay up on all things MnDot)

Duluth City Council Meeting 3/13

Appointed several community members to, the Library Board, Heading Home Advisory Committee, and Community Development Committee.
Authorized the purchase option on a 2020 Caterpillar wheel loader model 930M for $115,395 (note this is the end of the lease-purchase option not the overall cost of this piece of equipment)
Issuance of on-sale liquor license
Authorized a grant application seeking up to $350,000 in funds to complete the Gary New Duluth Rec Skatepark

Duluth Round-Up

The Science, Changing Weather challenges Behind Duluth’s Snow Plowing Operations This is an absolute must-watch/read. It answers all of your snow plowing questions- how many drivers we have (35) the types of equipment that need to be utilized during different types of snowfall and the cost of the equipment needed for snow clearing operations.
West Superior Street Fixes on the Horizon for Lincoln Park
Big Plans for Chester Bowl
Duluth School District Closes Sale on Central School (Hooray!)
Frozen Four here in Duluth!

State of the City

Every year the Mayor of Duluth hosts a State of the City. This year’s SOC will be on March 22nd at 6:00 out at the West Duluth Theater. The public is invited and I would go so far as to say encouraged to attend. At these events, the Council President gives a brief opening speech followed by the Mayor outlining their vision for the year and work the past year. Hope to see you there this Wednesday!

100 More Cups of Coffee

Still working on having another 100 Cups of Coffee with constituents. If you want to have a 45-minute conversation about anything in regard to the City click on this link to schedule