Crookston council approves funding for pay study, opens RFP for official paper, names auditor, awards Sports Center painting and backs geothermal planning grant

The Crookston City Council on Feb. 10 approved a series of routine but policy-relevant items, including a $48,000 allocation from reserves for a comprehensive classification and compensation study, an RFP to choose the city's official newspaper, a three-year auditor engagement with Baker Tilly, a lowest-responsible-bid award for exterior painting at the Crookston Sports Center, and a city letter of support for a geothermal planning grant.

The actions bundle several administrative and procurement decisions the council said are intended to improve city operations, preserve competitive bidding for legal notices, secure audit services for a three-year period, maintain city facilities and explore energy-efficiency options for city-owned buildings.

City staff told the council the classification and compensation study would be a comprehensive review of all city positions — including police and fire — and would align job classifications and pay scales across departments. “We—re asking for the council's authorization to move forward for a comprehensive classification and compensation study,” staff member Jeff said during the presentation, adding the work would be funded from a reserve set aside for that purpose at “about $48,000.” Staff estimated the study would take nine to 12 months to complete.

On the city's official paper, staff said the Crookston Times recently ceased publication and the city needs to identify a qualified legal newspaper under state publication rules. Staff presented a draft RFP to open a competitive process among newspapers that meet the state—s list-of-qualified-official-papers requirements; the council approved releasing the RFP and returning a recommendation to the council after bids are opened.

For audits, the council approved Baker Tilly as the city's auditor for a three-year engagement. Staff said two comparable bids were received and recommended Baker Tilly for its larger size and deeper bench of audit staff; the first-year audit cost was described as higher than later years because of one-time setup expenses. Staff gave year-by-year figures (about $56,300 for 2024, $53,800 for 2025 and $56,500 for 2026) and the council approved placing Baker Tilly under a three-year engagement.

The council awarded the Crookston Sports Center exterior painting contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Pace Painting, with staff reporting the low bid at $135,365. Staff said three bids were received, one was disqualified for incomplete submission, and work will begin once weather permits.

Finally, the council approved a letter of support for a geothermal planning grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Staff described the grant as no-cost to the city that would evaluate city facilities for geothermal feasibility and help position the city to pursue future installation grants if geothermal proves appropriate. Staff said the effort is coordinated with regional partners under an Empower Crookston initiative.

Votes at a glance - Item 7.01 — RFP for classification and compensation study: approved (roll call: unanimous ayes). Council authorized use of approximately $48,000 in reserves; study expected to run 9–12 months and cover all staff, including police and fire. - Item 7.02 — RFP for city official paper: approved (roll call: unanimous ayes). Staff to open a competitive solicitation among newspapers that meet state qualification criteria and return an apparent award recommendation to council. - Item 7.03 — Approve Baker Tilly as auditor (three-year engagement): approved (roll call: unanimous ayes). Staff reported first-year setup increases; submitted cost estimates provided to council. - Item 7.04 — Award painting contract for Crookston Sports Center to Pace Painting: approved (roll call: unanimous ayes). Low responsible bid reported at $135,365; start date contingent on weather. - Item 7.05 — Letter of support for geothermal planning grant (Minnesota Department of Commerce): approved (roll call: unanimous ayes). Staff said the grant is no-cost to the city and would assess facility suitability and support future grant applications.

Council members did not record any no votes on the items summarized above; staff and council discussion focused on scope, timelines and procurement compliance rather than policy disagreement. Several council members and staff noted the RFP process for the official paper is required to meet state criteria that the publication be printed regularly and carry a news-oriented percentage of content.

The items will return to council if required by the RFP evaluation or contract award process for final approval or acceptance of an apparent award.