Huron commission approves construction and equipment purchases, clears liquor licenses; water crew to begin hydrant flushing

The Huron City Commission on an evening meeting approved a slate of routine purchases, license transfers and a second-reading ordinance, and heard a public notice that the city will start flushing fire hydrants this week.

The commission voted unanimously on consent items and several formal motions, including construction change order No. 2 for Fourth Street reconstruction (net change $20,000), authorization for the purchase of a 2025 collection truck for the solid waste department, and approvals of multiple liquor-license matters contingent on final inspections. The commission also approved the second reading of an ordinance amending business-license inspection requirements for malt beverage and farm wine retailers.

The session opened with a public forum item from Rob Reeder, the city’s Water and Sewer Superintendent, who said the city planned to begin flushing fire hydrants "probably middle to end of this week" and expected the flushing to continue about two weeks. "We're going to concentrate our efforts in the Southwest part of town — Third Street to 20 First Street, Lincoln to Dakota," Reeder said. He warned residents they might see short interruptions in service, increased pressure or discolored water and advised that water would remain safe and residents should flush faucets or avoid washing white clothes while crews work.

On public-works items, Assistant Engineer Dennis Bennett explained change order No. 2 for bid 2024-11, described as a $20,000 net change for the Fourth Street reconstruction contract with Midland Contracting Inc.; Bennett said the work will actually be performed at 400 and Third Avenue and be paid as part of the Fourth Street project. The motion to approve the change order passed on a roll call vote.

On equipment, staff recommended approval of a budgeted purchase for a 2025 collection truck for yard waste and recyclables from Sanitation Products Inc. through a Sourcewell contract. The commission was told $383,200 had been budgeted for the vehicle; the bid came in lower and the city expects a state grant that could cover up to 50% of the purchase price, up to $192,500. Commissioners clarified the truck is a replacement vehicle. The motion to authorize the purchase and allow the city engineer to finalize addenda passed unanimously.

Licensing actions approved on the consent and petitions sections included: appointment of Larry Williams and Karen Mueller to the Huron Board of Historic Preservation (to replace Jeff Van Winkle and Dan Campbell); transfer of a retail on-off malt beverage and farm-wine license for a business identified as Freedom to a corporation named 7 27 Incorporated at 1903 Dakota Avenue South (approval held in the city office pending completion of minor repairs noted during inspection); and a new on-off malt-beverage and farm-wine license for Kin Kin Asian Grocery (15 65 Dakota Avenue South), also approved but held pending minor repairs and final inspection. The commission also approved special on-sale licenses for Hurst's Corner for events at the Campus Center on May 17 and May 24 and the payment of bills.

In ordinances, the commission gave a second reading and approved an amendment (ordinance 21 93-5-55-129 as presented at second reading) that revises inspection requirements tied to liquor and beer licenses; staff said the earlier language required a certified state electrical inspection, which the city does not require or perform, and the amendment clarifies that local inspection procedures apply. The motion for second reading passed by roll call vote.

Commissioner Harvey announced a separate public-works notice: milling of the Third Street bridge deck will begin Thursday, April 10, by BX Civil and Construction; traffic will be reduced to one lane on the bridge, and the contractor expects to finish by the end of the day on Thursday.

Commissioner Smith reminded residents that municipal voting would occur the following day at Huron Arena from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., naming the candidates on the ballot for city commission.

The meeting also included the routinely approved items listed on the consent agenda — minutes of March 31, 2025; fuel quotes for city departments; and other standard business — all approved by unanimous roll call votes.

The commission added an executive session for personnel matters under "1 25-2-1" to the agenda before approving the meeting agenda; the meeting then proceeded through public forum, consent and formal agenda items.