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West Fargo commission roundup: benefits broker, projects, contracts and appointments approved
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Summary
At its May 19 meeting the commission approved a benefits broker contract with Marsh McLennan Agency, authorized staff to pursue an HR/payroll contract with the West Fargo Park District, awarded multiple public-works contracts, appointed a city engineer and approved the first reading of a storage-locker habitation ordinance.
The West Fargo City Commission approved a series of contracts, project authorizations and appointments at its May 19 meeting, including a new benefits broker agreement, multiple public-works project actions, authorization to pursue an HR and payroll contract with the West Fargo Park District, the appointment of a new city engineer and the first reading of an ordinance limiting habitation of storage lockers.
Benefits broker: The commission approved a benefits broker contract to engage Marsh McLennan Agency to act as the city's broker to begin negotiations and searches for health, vision and dental plans. Human Resources Director Sarah Goshevik presented the result of an RFP process (five responses from nine solicitations), said the recommended broker met the city's preference for a local presence and said the new broker would begin work June 1. Commissioner Zundell moved approval; Commissioner Olsen seconded and the motion carried.
Park District HR and payroll services: Staff sought authorization to negotiate and draft a contract in which the City of West Fargo would provide HR and payroll services to the West Fargo Park District. Goshevik said the Park District previously remained on the city's benefits and removing it could sharply increase the Park District's costs; the proposed arrangement would have the Park District pay the equivalent cost of one full-time equivalent (FTE) to the city to cover services. Commissioner Jorgensen moved to permit staff to pursue the contract and Commissioner Anderson seconded; Commissioner Zundell recused herself from the vote and recorded an abstention. The motion passed with a 4-0-1 vote in favor.
Public works contracts and projects: The commission approved multiple items from the Public Works agenda: - Project 2279 (Ninth Street East and Veterans Boulevard pedestrian-safety improvements): approved a task order with Bolton & Menk for construction observation and administration; the project is 90% grant-funded for construction costs with Fargo participating in soft costs per an MOU. - Improvement District 2294 (Sixth Street and 23rd Avenue East intersection improvements): authorized a resolution of necessity and a task order with Bolton & Menk to advance design; the action begins the special-assessment process and sets a protest hearing for July 7. - Improvement District 2290 (2025 Mill and Overlay): accepted the rebid and awarded the contract to Border States Paving for $708,050.39 (the low bid opened May 15). The project rebid followed a prior rejection of bids related to hauling restrictions that were clarified to allow travel into Minnesota up to 20 miles. - A Street West (project 6063) multiuse path: created project 6063, approved the engineer's report and directed preparation of plans and specifications; funds used for this project were reallocated after an earlier electric-vehicle purchase project was removed from eligibility.
Appointment: The commission appointed Jerry Wallace as city engineer following a recommendation from Senior Director Dan Hansen. Wallace, who has worked for the city for several years and served with Houston Engineering previously, introduced himself and thanked the commission.
Ordinance first reading: The commission approved first reading of Ordinance 12-56, which would establish limits on residing or sleeping in buildings, vehicles or temporary structures not designed for residential occupancy and sets a Class B misdemeanor penalty. The ordinance was advanced on first reading; further action will follow the city's ordinance process.
Executive session and economic development: After an executive session pursuant to North Dakota Century Code (as cited in the meeting), the commission directed staff to pursue negotiations regarding an economic development matter; the motion was moved and seconded and approved.
Other procedural votes: the commission approved routine agenda items including the consent agenda, minutes and building permits earlier in the meeting.
