The Albert Lea City Council unanimously ordered the preparation of plans Monday night for a major city street project.

Approval was made for the complete reconstruction of Park Avenue, Mariners Lane, Harriet Lane and Grace Street.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said the street pavements were constructed between 1952 and 1976 and are in poor condition. He noted that underground utilities were placed between 1910 and 1920 and have reached the end of their service life.

He said access to the area will be difficult during the project due to the roadways being dead- end streets, but every effort will be made to provide access during the project.

Replacement of sidewalks where they are currently located are planned with the exception of Grace Street and Harriet Lane; wider sidewalks are planned on the south sides of Grace Street and Harriet Lane.

Prior to approval, a couple of residents discussed their views of the project.

Lucas Schuster said he approves the project based on the current conditions of the roads and requested that language be included in the contract that asks construction workers to work until sunset to shorten construction time.

Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker said he appreciated the neighborhood meeting held earlier this month, and added that there is a positive feeling about the project, although assessment costs are fairly high in association with the project.

The project is expected to cost $3.2 million and will be paid for with assessments, city funds, water funds and sanitary sewer funds.

The project is expected to begin at the earliest in June and be completed in late fall.

In other action, the council:

Approved plans and specifications and ordered advertisement of bids for several street projects. These include the 2016 neighborhood improvement project for the southern part of the city, along with Lake Chapeau Drive, Edgewater Drive and various parking lots.

Approved a resolution replacing two city dump trucks.

Approved a donation of tree guards from Innovance for South Broadway. As part of the 2015 Broadway reconstruction project, Innovance constructed and donated 18 tree guards to the city at an estimated value of $4,500. In 2014, Innovance constructed 35 tree guards and donated a large portion of them to the city as part of the first phase of the Broadway reconstruction project. A sample tree guard was shown at the meeting.

Authorized Adams to sign an easement agreement with Hawkeye Land Co. The easement is for the construction of a storm sewer crossing and related grading and structures near and under the Union Pacific Railroad for a regional stormwater pond to service the Northaire Industrial Park. The fee for the easement is $10,000.