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Commission directs 6‑inch gas main bid for 20 Third Street to serve Memorial Building expansion possibilities
Summary
The commission approved advertising for the 2025 20 Third Street gas main extension and instructed staff to specify a 6‑inch, 50‑psi main after Lake Superior Consulting advised that 6 inches would accommodate likely expansion; commissioners discussed metering and future sizing.
The Hibbing Public Utilities Commission on March 20 authorized a public bid for the 2025 20 Third Street gas main extension and directed staff to specify a 6‑inch, 50‑psi main to accommodate current loads and potential future expansion at the Memorial Building.
Staff described the work as adding gas capacity to serve the Memorial Building alongside the city’s Third Street resurfacing project. "They estimated that a 3 inch, based on current load, that a 3 inch pipe is required," staff said, but noted uncertainty about future expansion. After conversation and a follow‑up email from Lake Superior Consulting, staff reported that "it is safe to assume that a 6 inch would allow for" future expansion; the consulting note said costs for upsizing the pipe were minimal relative to the construction opportunity.
Commissioner Sandstedt moved and Commissioner Stokes seconded a motion to advertise the public bid specifying a 6‑inch gas line; the motion passed on voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to include a metering station in specifications to monitor real‑time usage at the Memorial Building. Staff also discussed installation techniques (directional drilling if street remains closed) and coordination with the city’s paving and water main work.
The commission emphasized that the 6‑inch specification aims to avoid rebuilding the main later if Memorial Building expansion requires additional capacity. Staff will return with final bid documents and sizing/specification details.
