Council adopts ordinance defining "application," approves contract amendment and green-lights solid-waste RFP

The council approved three non-budget items that affect city process and services: an ordinance to add a definition of "application" to the city code, a second amendment to the Rum River Consultants building inspection contract, and release of a solid-waste and recycling collection request for proposals (RFP).

Community Development Director Ken described the ordinance as a code cleanup that clarifies an application "is the formal process of an applicant submitting a filed and complete form furnished by the city" and allows the city to require electronic submittal while providing reasonable accommodations for those who cannot file electronically. "It's our recommendation to add that to the code," Ken said. Council adopted the ordinance by motion and voice vote.

Ken also presented a second amendment to the city's building inspection contract with Rum River Consultants. The amendment moves contract fees into the citys fee schedule and establishes a five-year term with mutual extension options; staff said Rum River reviewed and agreed to the change and the council approved the amendment.

On solid waste, staff presented a draft RFP for collection services to replace the current contract (ending Aug. 31, 2026). Key points: the RFP keeps weekly collection, optional yard-waste service, continued food-scrap program, use of the city-owned carts (35-, 65- and 95-gallon) and asks bidders to provide options and pricing for bulk-item pickup frequencies. The RFP schedule: proposals due Feb. 13, evaluations Feb.13through mid-April, staff recommendation to council April 21, and final contract to be brought back in May with a target start date of Sept. 1, 2026.

Outcome: Council adopted the ordinance, approved the Rum River contract amendment, and authorized staff to release the RFP by motion and voice votes.