Huron Commission approves $1.1M street overlay, equipment purchases, leases and other motions

The Huron City Commission on a series of unanimous roll-call votes approved multiple contracts, payments and administrative actions at its meeting.

Major approvals included a $1,108,379.43 award to Asphalt Paving Materials Company for the 2025 milling and overlay project; purchase of a 2025 Caterpillar mini excavator from Butler Machinery Company for $170,913 and a matching trailer for $35,793.33 under a Sourcewell contract; and a five-year lease of the Old City Gravel Pit (Hayland Parcel No. 1) to Warren Barton, Ben Meyer and Joy Meyer for $1,650 annually.

Commissioners also authorized advertising/bid procedures for crack-seal work (bid no. 2025-8) with an engineer estimate of $68,165, approved payment request No. 9 for the Dakota Avenue improvements to BX Civil and Construction Inc. for $82,403.80, and approved the release of a restricted covenant at 1204 Frank Avenue Southeast at the request of Sarah Wolf. A retail on-off malt beverage and South Dakota farm wine license was transferred to Toasted Coconut Lounge at 33 Fourth Street Southwest after inspections and a staff recommendation.

City Engineer Brett Rungeier told the commission the excavator purchase comes in under the equipment budgeted amount of $174,906; the trailer purchase exceeded its $28,550 budget because the city selected a higher-rated trailer to match the excavator. Rungeier recommended proceeding with both purchases and said the city intends to surplus one or both backhoes as older equipment is replaced.

On the hayland lease, the engineer reported nine parcels were advertised for five-year leases; only Parcel No. 1 received a bid. Staff said state/local bid law permits negotiation when no bids are received and the current renter has expressed interest in several parcels.

Finance Director Pauline Carey reported the liquor-license transfer had no adverse comments and had cleared inspections. City Planner Barry Krentzen recommended releasing the restrictive covenant on the Sarah Wolf parcel to restore the original lot dimensions, subject to a condition that the covenant be reinstated if the transaction does not close.

All motions were approved by roll call. Several items had little or no discussion and were approved as part of the consent agenda earlier in the meeting, including minutes, fuel quotes, event permits, personnel acknowledgements and payment of bills.

The commission then moved into a work session to continue internal discussion.