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Votes at a glance: council approves arena roof, lift station, plow truck, wastewater services, leases and other items
Summary
At the Willmar City Council meeting the body approved contracts and resolutions including a Blue Line Arena roof replacement, Iverson Park lift station award, 4th Street plans, a plow truck purchase, a wastewater services agreement with Donahue & Associates, multiple land/lease items and several professional services related to Wilmar Connect.
The Willmar City Council approved a series of motions and contracts during its meeting; below are the key votes and brief details.
Blue Line Arena roof — Adopted a resolution to accept a proposal from J Mark Company to replace the Blue Line Arena roof for $263,797. Contracts Director Rob Baumgartner explained the roof (installed in 1998) had reached the end of its useful life. Vote: 7–0 to approve.
Iverson Park lift station — City Engineer Jared Veil said eight bids were received; Dunnic Inc. submitted the low bid at $548,673.25. Council approved awarding the contract to Dunnic and approved the as-bid budget. Vote on award: 6 ayes, 1 abstain (abstention due to partial company involvement); as-bid budget approved 6 ayes, 1 abstain.
4th Street SW reconstruction — Council authorized plans and specifications and directed staff to advertise for bids after City Engineer Jared Veil outlined tree review and removal criteria. Vote to approve plans: 7–0.
Public works plow truck — Council approved purchase of a 2027 International HV507 dump truck with snow-removal equipment for a total of $297,505.02 (trade-in estimated $24,000–$30,000). Vote: 7–0.
Wastewater professional services — Council adopted a resolution to enter a professional services agreement with Donahue & Associates for the Jennie O nutrient-removal project in the amount of $99,755; staff said the project will reduce chemical costs and has an estimated six-year payback. Vote: 7–0.
Wilmar RC Association land lease — Council approved a five-year lease of two city parcels (parcels 959175620 and 959175630) to the Wilmar RC Association at $800 annually; no permanent structures will remain after lease termination. Vote: 7–0.
City Line Towing license agreement — Council approved a 10-year license agreement authorizing City Line Towing to use the area under the 1st Street Bridge, including conveyance to the city of a 13-foot strip for $5,000 and a starting annual license fee of $3,600 (monthly payments). Vote: 5–2.
Wilmar Connect professional services — The council approved two separate Wilmar Connect professional-services items: an amendment with Bolton & Mink ($520,393) and a professional-services agreement with Hometown Fiber (not to exceed $400,000). Both passed 5–2 after extended debate about pro forma assumptions, prior spending, and testing/work duplication.
Administrative transition ad hoc committee — Mayor Reese announced City Administrator Leslie Valiant will retire effective 2027-01-08 and the council appointed an ad hoc transition committee: Justin Aske, Tom Gilbertson, Vicky Davis and Mayor Reese. Vote: 7–0.
What this list means: staff will proceed with contract implementation and return to council with bond-sale details, change orders and any contract modifications as the projects move forward.
