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Council approves temporary engineering signatory from Moore Engineering to cover summer projects
Summary
Facing a gap in city staffing, the council approved a pro‑bono, independent contractor arrangement with Moore Engineering to provide signatory authority for engineering projects through the summer construction season.
The Fergus Falls City Council voted to authorize Moore Engineering to serve as a temporary, independent contractor engineer to sign city engineering projects while the city lacks an on‑staff engineer. The arrangement was described by staff as documentation-only signatory authority; Moore Engineering will not assume supervisory leadership of the engineering department, and the firm said the work will be provided pro bono for the specific assignment.
Council members requested clarity about the contractor status and scope before voting. Community Development staff confirmed the appointee is not a city employee but an independent contractor from Moore Engineering tasked with signing plans and certifications to keep summer projects moving while recruitment continues.
Why it matters: The city has multiple capital projects coming up for bids and construction this season; the temporary signatory is intended to prevent project delays while the city fills or designates an engineer. Several council members said they wanted the full council to be briefed on personnel and contract details rather than handle the matter solely in a committee or in closed session.
The motion to approve the agreement included an expression of appreciation to Moore Engineering and, specifically, the named representative for volunteering the service. The resolution passed by roll call; a handful of council members voted no. Council directions included confirming the independent-contractor status in writing and ensuring the arrangement remains limited to signing and does not create an ongoing leadership role within the city's engineering operations.
Next steps: Staff will finalize documentation describing the assignment, the limited scope of authority, and the duration; they'll present any needed clarifications to the council and continue recruitment for a permanent or designated engineer.
