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Hibbing utility commission approves vehicle and equipment purchases, roof work, valves and seeks bids for hydrant projects; staff recommends Hitachi breakers
Summary
The Hibbing Public Utilities Commission approved a slate of capital procurements including fleet vehicles, a power plant roof replacement, sole-source butterfly valves, and advertising for 2025 hydrant replacement bids. Staff recommended awarding high-voltage breakers to Hitachi following bid issues with GE Vernova.
The Hibbing Public Utilities Commission on Sept. 23 approved multiple capital purchases and authorized advertising for bids on hydrant replacement projects.
The commission approved a slate of fleet and equipment purchases presented by staff: an aerial lift line truck ($428,451), a heritage tension tugger ($100,000), a water crew truck with a VMax compressor ($93,256) and two service trucks (listed in the packet at $111,000.426). The motion to approve the slate was made by Commissioner Hart and supported by Commissioner Sandstead.
Staff also recommended awarding the public bid 25-4 for high-voltage (115 kV) circuit breakers to Hitachi. Luke Peterson, staff member, said two bids were received: GE Vernova’s breakers were initially lower cost but later could not meet tariff disclosure and project deadline requirements, while Hitachi’s breakers arrived with a higher price but with an expected delivery by fall 2027. Peterson recommended awarding to Hitachi in the amount of $840,232; the commission approved the motion (mover Commissioner Stout, supporter Commissioner Hart).
Other purchases approved included Miller Roofing and Siding for a power plant roof replacement ($31,840) after Miller’s presented the lowest quote, and a sole-source award to Omen Industries for four 36-inch butterfly valves ($31,197.23) due to the valves’ age and compatibility with existing equipment. The commission also authorized staff to advertise bids for the 2025 fire-hydrant replacement program; staff said they planned to advertise immediately and return with bids for commission action on Oct. 28.
Commission discussion focused on verifying equipment uses (line and water crew needs) and delivery timelines for the breakers; there was no formal dissent recorded on these procurement items during the meeting.
The approvals were recorded as motions and carried by voice vote; the meeting packet contained maps and equipment descriptions that staff said would guide the upcoming hydrant bid process.
