Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Morris council approves MnDOT grant substitution, awards street contract and shifts festival funding
Loading...
Summary
Council approved a MnDOT grant substitution for a propane transit bus (Grant No. 1061150), awarded a $123,698.90 contract to Joel Riley Construction for 2026 street improvements, approved an APL Holdings quiet-title stipulation, and reallocated $77,004.82 for Prairie Harvest Fest fireworks and games.
The Morris City Council approved multiple resolutions and funding shifts during its meeting. The council voted to accept a substitution in a MnDOT Capital Vehicle Grant (Agreement No. 1061150) that replaces an originally planned electric rural transit bus with a propane system after the original vendor could not deliver a reliable electric configuration. City Manager Zoe Johnson said the project is fully funded through the grant, with an 80% federal and 20% state split.
On the bidding for street improvements, the council awarded the 2026 Street Capital Improvements contract to Joel Riley Construction, the low bidder, for $123,698.90; the resolution also included $20,000 for contracted engineering. Johnson told the council that total current estimates for the reclaim, mill and overlay scope are about $143,698.90 and that, because bids came in below estimates, staff may pursue a change order later to expand the project scope if the contractor agrees. Johnson said roughly $130,000 remains available to potentially add to the scope, subject to engineering review and contractor availability.
The council also approved a quiet-title stipulation requested by APL Holdings to perfect title to a parcel described as Garden Lots Addition (the discussion referenced the Vero Ford property). The city attorney reported no city property interest that would be affected and recommended the council approve the stipulation; the county had already approved it.
Separately, Johnson advised that lodging-tax revenue cannot be used to fund event activities such as fireworks and games; as a result, the council approved reallocating unallocated city funds and contingency to provide $77,004.82 in 2026 support for games and fireworks at Prairie Harvest Fest.
Votes at a glance: - MnDOT Capital Vehicle Grant Agreement No. 1061150 (propane bus substitution): motion moved by Council member (S5), seconded by the presiding official (S1); approved by roll call; funding split 80% federal/20% state. - Resolution approving quiet-title stipulation for APL Holdings: motion moved by the presiding official (S1), seconded by Council member (S6); approved by roll call. - Resolution accepting bid and awarding contract for 2026 Street Capital Improvements to Joel Riley Construction ($123,698.90; engineering $20,000): motion moved by Council member (S6), seconded by Council member (S5); approved by roll call. - Prairie Harvest Fest support for fireworks and games ($77,004.82): motion moved by Council member (S5), seconded by Council member (S6); approved by voice vote.
Council discussion on the street award noted a wide spread between the low bid and others (about a $90,000 spread between bidders); staff and public works will evaluate whether to pursue expanded scope via change order. The council also confirmed that the grant substitution to a propane system follows state agreement after an electric vendor was unable to meet requirements.
