The Albert Lea City Council on Monday approved the next steps for two city street projects this summer.

The council ordered the improvement and preparation of plans on Lake Avenue and East College Street and approved plans and ordered bids for the Sunset Street reconstruction project.

The Lake Avenue and East College Street project includes the complete reconstruction of bituminous surface, curb and gutter, sidewalk, water main, sanitary sewer and storm sewer of Lake Avenue from Clark Street to Elizabeth Avenue and East College Street from Newton Avenue to east of Elizabeth Avenue.

According to Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke, the pavement, curb and gutter and sidewalks on Lake Avenue were constructed in 1959. Utilities on the road were built in 1912, Jahnke said.

“We believe that road is at the end of its life,” he said.

Roadway on College Street was built in 1933, and utilities were built between 1912 and 1924, he said.

“Both of these roads — sidewalks, curb and gutter — are all in poor shape,” he said.

The project is expected to cost a little more than $1 million, including about $600,000 for Lake Avenue work and about $400,000 for work on College Street. The average assessment is expected to be about $6,300. Assessments are expected to cover about $200,000 of the project cost. The highest assessment is expected to be about $12,000, and the lowest assessment is about $1,800. Assessments rates are expected to be over 10 years and will be based on bonding.

A neighborhood meeting was March 20, and city officials plan to continue to reach out to the community during the process. The project could start in mid-June and is expected to be finished by the end of October.

Sunset Street work will include the reconstruction of the concrete surface, curb and gutter, water main, sanitary sewer and storm sewer.

Parking will be eliminated on the north side of the road and a sidewalk is planned to be added. Nine parking stalls would be added in front of Fountain Lake Estates.

Bids on the project are expected to be released late next month.

The council passed the Sunset Street resolution by a 6-1 vote. Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker voted no.

According to Baker, he voted no after hearing from numerous residents who expressed opposition to the planned sidewalk.

“I am for this project, but I am not for the project as it is,” he said.

Baker also voted no March 13 when the council ordered the improvement and preparation of plans for Sunset Street.