County awards landfill cap and major road contracts; paving bid comes in ~14% over estimate

Kandiyohi County commissioners approved several construction contracts and bid awards at their April 21 meeting.

Landfill final cover: Gary Gere, environmental services director, described the LFD Cap 2026 project (final cover for a four‑acre demolition cell that is unlined). Staff and the engineer recommended awarding the construction contract to Swenson and Sons Excavating for $664,901.39. Gere said the bid was below the engineer’s estimate of $821,007.96. Commissioners asked technical questions about venting (none for the demolition cell), whether demolition material would continue to be accepted and the potential for a future lined demolition cell; the board then moved and approved the contract.

Bituminous (paving) contract: Public works director Mel Oden reported bids for the 2026 bituminous contract (23 miles of road and one parking lot). The engineer’s estimate was $7,200,000; the apparent low bid from Central Specialties, Inc. of Alexandria, MN was $8,305,683.81 (about 13.9% over estimate). Oden said fuel price volatility and market factors affected bids and recommended awarding to Central Specialties; the board approved the award and noted the county can absorb the overage through reserves and multi‑year planning.

County Road 27 regrading and bridge (sales tax project): Oden also presented bids for regrading County Road 27 (over 3 miles) and a bridge; the engineer’s estimate was $3,157,000 and the low bid was $2,395,000. Staff recommended award to John Riley Construction of Morris, MN; commissioners approved the award by voice vote. Oden noted that this project is 100% funded with the local option sales tax.

What this means: Contracts will proceed per standard procurement and contracting procedures. The county noted budget impacts for the paving contract can be managed from reserves and multi‑year plans; the landfill contract will proceed with the awarded contractor to construct the final cover.