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Council moves ahead with steam‑conversion RFPs and discusses capital‑bonding priorities and financial review
Summary
Council authorized staff to issue requests for proposals for steam conversion at several city buildings, discussed which projects to nominate for state capital bonding in 2026, and directed staff to seek a financial consultant to help evaluate bond capacity and long‑term debt planning.
City staff asked the Committee of the Whole to authorize requests for proposals (RFPs) to study and implement steam conversions for City Hall, the library, the senior center and the fire hall; the council approved issuing RFPs so staff can get concrete cost estimates.
Why it matters: Councilors said the city must balance an accelerated timeline for conversions with the limits of state capital bonding and the city’s fiscal capacity. Councilors voiced concern about meeting an internal target and the need for firm cost estimates before committing to construction: "we have to be thinking two years ahead," one councilor said, noting the state budgeting and bonding calendar and a June 30 submission deadline for project priorities. Staff recommended issuing RFPs to secure bids and provide the detailed numbers grantors and bond houses will require.
Capital bonding priorities: The council held an extended discussion about which projects to list for potential inclusion in the state’s fiscal‑year 2026 capital bonding request. Councilors proposed candidates including steam‑conversion work, public works and parks facility upgrades, the municipal golf course renovation, Sixth Avenue reconstruction and a ladder truck for the fire department. Members agreed to submit individual priority suggestions to staff and revisit the prioritized list at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.
Financial advisor: Councilor Paulson moved and the council approved hiring or contracting with a financial consultant (Baker Tilly was discussed) to prepare a long‑term debt and bond‑capacity analysis, after members said they wanted independent modeling of the city’s ability to undertake a large bonding package.
Public works and fire hall: Public Works Director Jim Rossford said some immediate repairs are needed (roof patches and maintenance) and described options for the older portion of the fire hall (winterizing or providing minimum heating rather than a full conversion if the city keeps that space for storage). Councilors flagged the public works garage and vehicle storage conditions as a priority for capital investment.
Actions: The council approved a motion to issue RFPs for steam conversion (moved by Councilor Kevin Johnson, supported by Councilor Bach Schneider) and subsequently approved directing staff to contact a financial consultant for a bond/debt analysis (motion by Councilor Paulson). Staff will collect councilors’ priority lists and return a consolidated ranked list for discussion.
