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Council roundup: Neo Electrical low bid for downtown lighting; tourism grants, fire projects and seasonal hires approved
Summary
The New Richmond City Council authorized solicitation of bids for underground/pole work, awarded the downtown lighting low bid to Neo Electrical Solutions for $695,359.45, approved tourism committee grant recommendations, authorized two seasonal electric hires with potential apprenticeship conversion, and approved fire advisory board capital projects totaling $92,547 (city's on‑hand funds ~$65,270).
At its meeting the New Richmond City Council approved several operational and capital items in a consolidated series of votes.
Downtown lighting contract: After a bid opening, staff recommended awarding the downtown lighting project to the low bidder, Neo Electrical Solutions, at a low bid of $695,359.45 (engineer’s estimate $758,842). The scope presented to council includes new underground conduit, replacement of existing poles, concrete replacement work and removal of existing electrical infrastructure; benches, planters and trash receptacles are to be procured separately. The contract includes a substantial‑completion deadline of Oct. 31; staff said they will coordinate a more specific construction timeline and outreach to downtown business owners if the contract is approved.
Tourism grants and room tax: Council approved the tourism committee’s fourth‑quarter recommendations. Staff reported $39,364 in fourth‑quarter room‑tax collections and a grant pool of roughly $77,293; the committee recommended about $29,105.82 in grants with a $48,187.87 carry forward. Staff explained the 70%/30% distribution (70% for tourism expenditures) required by state rules and said carry forwards between quarters are normal practice.
Seasonal electric workers and solicitation authorizations: Council approved hiring two seasonal electric workers this summer; staff said the hires will allow on‑the‑job evaluation and potential fall conversion of one hire into an apprentice (the apprenticeship program takes three to four years). Council also authorized solicitation of bids for contracted underground construction and pole replacement projects included in the capital improvement plan.
Fire advisory board capital projects: The council approved the fire advisory board’s recommended 2026 capital projects totaling $92,547 that include replacement of SCBA bottles, radios, larger hose, structural gear and camera additions. Staff reported the city currently has about $65,270 in hand toward a planned truck replacement (truck cost described as a little over $1 million); most of the truck funding will be issued through debt when needed.
Executive session: The council moved into closed session under State statute 19.85(1)(e) to deliberate and negotiate public property matters; roll call votes were recorded and the council entered closed session.
