The Worthington City Council, during its meeting scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday night at City Hall, will consider the establishment of a policy pertaining to COVID-19 vaccination, testing and face coverings.
The OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on vaccination and testing requires employers with 100 or more employees to establish, implement and enforce a written policy allowing any employee to either choose to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or provide proof of regular testing for COVID-19 and wear a facemask in lieu of vaccination.
Additionally, the council will consider proposals from Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. for design and bidding services for three projects: Olson Park Trail Improvements, replacement of the Olson Park Pedestrian Bridge and parking lot improvements at the Sunset Park Boat Landing.
For the Olson Park Trail, the SHE proposal for design and bidding services carries a fee not to exceed $27,016. For the pedestrian bridge, design and bidding services have a proposed cost not to exceed $36.103. The boat landing park lot has a not-to-exceed cost of $16,684.
Funding for Olson Park Trail improvements was approved as part of the 2022 Capital Improvement Plan. The Olson Park Pedestrian bridge was one of the identified sales tax projects, while the parking lot improvements will be a combination of different funding sources.
Also on the agenda is a proposed change regarding the municipal parking lot between Park Lane and 11th Street, known as the Thompson Lot. It’s noted in the city council agenda packet that the redevelopment of the Hotel Thompson into 42 rentable units has resulted in on-going parking issues and complaints. In an effort to alleviate some of the ongoing issues, 10 of the 15 stalls now designated as two-hour parking will be switched to leased stalls that would allow for an additional 10 parking spots for Thompson residents. At this time, there are 25 stalls leased to individuals residing in the Thompson apartments.
The council is also scheduled to approve a resolution to accept a $142,218 grant from the Minnesota River Area Agency on Aging for the Center of Active Living facility.
