Changes discussed on Gibbon’s 2026 street project

by Doug Hanson
Last spring, Public Works Supervisor Jason Rettig talked to the Gibbon City Council about the sanitary sewer lines on several streets including Dr. Flower Drive, Chase Avenue, Davis Avenue and Ely Avenue. Rettig stated that televising of the sewer system in that area shown it was in tough shape.
A feasibility study was completed and the project to repair the sewer lines, replace water lines, storm sewer and widen some roads was estimated to cost $4.2 million.
During the past month, ISG Engineer Bryan Petzel met with City Administrator Dana Lietzau and Rettig to discuss some solutions to a few questions in the 2026 street project. There were some bottlenecks in the system that would still cause problems.
The new plans calls for all lines to run down Ely Avenue south of the railroad tracks. This option would eliminate the bottlenecks where it crosses the railroad. It would also need for the project to bore under the railroad line.
Rettig stated “this is the right way to go”. Dave Theis added that the bottlenecks were a huge problem. He stated that the reroute would add expense, but it would eliminate problems.
Petzel will now start talking to the railroad for a permit. This process could take six to nine months. The cost of boring a pipe under the railroad is expense.
Rachel Holmquist asked if any changes to the original assessments would be needed. Petzel stated that if a new feasibility study would have to be completed, then the answer would be yes. The first estimate on the new proposal was approximately $1.5 million more.
An Open House was scheduled for November 5th to review the new street project. Approximately 30 people attended to listen to Petzel review the changes.
Other Business
A purchase option agreement with Pat Reinhart for the site of the new water tower was reviewed. A few changes were made to the wording of the 150 foot square parcel. Petzel has also started looking into a Small City Development Program grant for the project.
Changes in the Gibbon Fire Relief Association bylaws were reviewed. The changes came from the state level and allowed a retired firefighter to begin receiving benefits right away. The old bylaws stated that the individual had to wait until age 50.
Police Officer Nick Hacker asked for an increase in pay. Holmquist stated that the Council’s wage committee will meet to review the request.
Lietzau and Rettig met with Superintendent Allen Berg about fire hydrants and snow removal. The school owns the fire hydrants, but Berg requested that the City handle the flushing during their regular routine.
The trio reviewed snow removal for the school property. Currently, there is no contract in place for snow removal. It was stated that the School would like the City to assist in the snow removal. Mayor Steve Klukas and Theis thought that handling the snow removal would put too much pressure on Rettig handling both the school and the city. The City agreed to do the snow removal on the trail from Ely to the school. Overall snow removal is still a question.
During the EDA reports, it was mentioned that the group plans on doing a shop local campaign and the Christmas Lighting Contest.