Stillwater County commissioners award $166,505 pole-barn contract, approve $31,000 frac tanks purchase

At their Nov. 20, 2025 regular meeting, the Stillwater County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved awarding a $166,505 contract for a 50x100 pole barn at the county Civic Center and approved a $31,000 purchase of two frac tanks for the Road and Bridge shop.

Chad Coles of the facilities department told the board the county ran a competitive bidding process and recommended Havens Construction, noting Havens was the lowest bidder and that the county has previously worked with the contractor and has confidence in its work product. Commissioner Jeff Ruffatto moved to award the contract to Havens Construction for $166,505.00; Commissioner Roger Webb seconded. The motion passed on a 3-0 vote.

Ben McVittie of Road and Bridge explained the need for two frac tanks for on-site water storage: one to replace the current use of city water and a second to store mag chloride for road treatment. Commissioner Roger Webb moved to approve the purchase for a total of $31,000.00; Commissioner Jeff Ruffatto seconded. That motion also passed 3-0.

The board also approved routine business: minutes from the Nov. 6, 2025 agenda meeting were approved on a 3-0 vote after a motion by Commissioner Jeff Ruffatto and second by Commissioner Roger Webb, and claims numbered 113405–113505 totaling $244,359.96 were approved following a motion by Commissioner Roger Webb and a second from Commissioner Ruffatto.

During announcements the commissioners noted county offices will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, for Thanksgiving and recognized Norma Brewer for 25 years of service; Chair Commissioner Steve Riveland and the other commissioners expressed their gratitude.

The meeting adjourned at 9:27 a.m., following a motion by Commissioner Jeff Ruffatto and a second by Commissioner Roger Webb.