Council adopts resolution to advertise police station project; language revised after attorney review

The council approved a resolution authorizing advertisement for bids on a proposed police station project, adopting Resolution 25021804 after a late edit recommended by the City Attorney.

Staff reported the City Attorney advised adoption of a formal resolution to advertise bids; Rebecca from Ehlers provided an estimated timeline for bidding and potential bonding. Staff also said they had met with state Representative Christie Purcell, who indicated a willingness to advocate for bonding assistance, though she could not guarantee state funds. Staff also consulted John McNamara with Wold, who said potential state funding could change project requirements and the procurement process if awarded.

During deliberations the City Attorney recommended changing language in the draft resolution so that item #4 would read as a future action (for example, the project "will be documented in the city's adopted capital improvement plan"), rather than stating it as already included. The council accepted that change. A roll-call-style vote was not recorded in the transcript; the meeting recorded the outcome as three votes in favor and one opposed. One council member stated they would vote no because of constituent opposition; the transcript does not record the member’s full name in that segment.

Council directed staff to finalize the revised resolution text and proceed with advertising for bids. Staff noted that if the city were later to receive state bonding commitments, the project scope and procurement steps could require adjustments.