The city of Eagan has reached a $17,000 settlement with Ecolab over its assessment for a ¾-mile extension of Ames Crossing Road.

The city had assessed Ecolab $110,172 for the road project, which included a storm sewer and water main. Ecolab objected and asked for the assessment to be reduced to zero.

After the city said no, Ecolab filed a special assessment appeal with the Dakota County District Court challenging the validity of the assessment. City staff members met with Ecolab and a settlement was approved by the City Council for the $17,000 and an understanding that the company will not have access to the new road.

If in the future Ecolab wants access to Ames Crossing, it would have to pay the assessment.

Ecolab is a global corporation with a campus in Eagan. Company attorney Howard Roston said at the time of the company's objection to the assessment, "The proposed assessment is for the general benefit of the city of Eagan and others who will use the project and therefore there is no special benefit to the Ecolab property."

Rosemount

City seeks volunteer nominations

For the 10th year, the Rosemount City Council is asking residents to nominate outstanding volunteers.

Both individuals and groups will be considered for recognition during the council's regular meeting on April 16, in observance of National Volunteer Week.

Last year 125 individuals, families and groups were honored for many types of volunteer work, from schools to parks to community projects and celebrations.

Send nominations to Alan Cox, communications coordinator, at 651-322-2078 or alan.cox@ci.rosemount.mn.us.

South Metro

Study on busway spinoff development

A study is underway along the Cedar Avenue busway to determine its value for spinoff development.

The marketing and development study will identify strategies to encourage development and redevelopment around six stations along the route.

The study has been commissioned by Dakota County, Hennepin County, the Dakota County Community Development Agency and the cities of Bloomington, Eagan, Apple Valley and Lakeville.

The busway will bring station-to-station bus rapid transit service to Cedar Avenue this summer.

The public is invited to learn more about the study, hear preliminary study findings and share comments on the future of station areas at an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. April 3 in the Dakota County Western Service Center atrium, 14955 Galaxie Av. in Apple Valley.

For more information about the project or the open house, contact Dakota County Transit Specialist Joe Morneau at 952-891-7986 or joe.morneau@co.dakota.mn.us.

Laurie Blake and Erin Adler