City approves Big Dipper contracts for FY2026; Council Member Rubio excused for conflict

The Wasilla City Council approved two renewal contract awards to Big Dipper Construction Inc. for fiscal year 2026 road- and utility-equipment services after Council Member Rubio declared a conflict and was excused from discussion and action on those items.

Rubio announced earlier in the meeting that Ordinance Serial Number 2517 and agenda amendments 27 and 28 would create a conflict for her because Big Dipper Construction is owned by her father and qualifies as an immediate family relationship under the amended ethics code. The mayor granted Rubio’s request to be excused from discussion and action on the two AM items.

The council approved AM 2527, a renewal contract award to Big Dipper Construction in the amount of $235,000 for road maintenance equipment with operator services for FY2026. The council also approved AM 2528, a renewal contract award to Big Dipper Construction in the amount of $475,000 for utility equipment with operator services for FY2026. Both items were moved and adopted without recorded roll-call opposition after the clerk noted Rubio’s recusal and the items were taken in new business.

City staff said these awards are routine renewal contracts for operator-equipped equipment services and were scheduled under new business in light of the declared conflict. The council did not amend the contract amounts during the meeting; staff will proceed with contract execution per procurement rules.