Council moves to award demolition‑cell expansion contract after favorable bids; testing contract approved

City staff recommended awarding construction of Cell 3B expansion at the municipal demolition disposal site after a competitive bidding process produced favorable pricing. The Committee of the Whole approved forwarding the recommended contract award and an associated material‑testing contract to the City Council.

Public works and engineering staff said 11 contractors bid the job and the apparent low bid from Central Specialties was $492,660.25, substantially below the engineer’s estimate of roughly $710,000. Staff and Houston Engineering evaluated the bids and deemed the low bid responsive. The Committee approved forwarding a construction contract award to Central Specialties to the Council.

Staff also recommended professional services for construction material testing; staff received three quotes and recommended Veteran Testing & Inspecting LLC at $9,965. The Committee approved that recommendation and asked staff to place both items on the consent agenda for the Council meeting.

Council members discussed whether the recent higher demolition rates (adopted in January to fund the expansion) could be moderated given the favorable bids and asked staff to analyze options for lowering future projected rate increases. Staff said it would review cash balances and present options to adjust the long‑range rate schedule if appropriate. Council members also discussed the regional role of Fergus Falls’ lined demo cell and noted the city currently operates the only lined demolition disposal cell in the county; staff said private and other governmental permits may expire in future years, making Fergus Falls an important regional facility.

The Committee voted to forward contract awards to the City Council and recommended placing the items on the consent agenda.