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Fremont utility board backs generator contract, municipal building design and lead-line funding
Summary
The City of Fremont Utility and Infrastructure Board on March 10 recommended City Council approve a package of contracts and program agreements, including a $300,518.75 emergency generator contract, a $327,600 municipal building design contract and terms for lead-service-line replacements under the DWSRF program.
The City of Fremont Utility and Infrastructure Board on March 10, 2026, met in City Council Chambers and recommended City Council approve a series of contracts and program agreements, including emergency generator procurement, municipal building design, a parcel purchase agreement and lead-service-line replacement terms.
Utility General Manager Jeff Shanahan and department leaders briefed the board on a series of agenda items and answered members’ questions before the board voted on recommendations to the City Council. The board acted unanimously on most items; one parcel purchase vote carried 4-0 with one abstention.
Key votes at the meeting included the board’s recommendation to authorize staff to sign several Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) documents (WAPA 12-UGPR-1035 Amendment 1, 25-UGPR-82 and the WAPA-UGPR REC Program Principles Acknowledge Form), following an overview from Shanahan. Member Fryklind moved the recommendation; Member Lipsys seconded. The motion carried 5-0.
The board recommended City Council authorize the Mayor to sign a purchase agreement and closing documents for parcel PID 270139527 from sellers Roger and Debra Menn after an overview by Shanahan. Member Bolton moved and Member Fryklind seconded the recommendation; the motion carried 4-0 with one abstention. The transcript does not specify which member abstained.
Lottie Mitchell presented the 2025 Collection Activity Report and the Nebraska Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Utility Provider Agreement. The board voted 5-0 to recommend receiving the collection report and to authorize the Mayor to sign the LIHEAP Utility Provider Agreement.
Ryon Palmer and Gary Ogden discussed the purchase of a Sweetwater Line Tamer CT2786C gas pipe trailer. The board voted 5-0 to recommend the purchase to City Council.
Eric Fuhrmeister presented a contract with Fremont Electric for supply and installation of two emergency backup generators totaling $300,518.75. Member Wilson moved and Member Fryklind seconded a recommendation to approve Resolution 2026-064 authorizing the Mayor to sign the contract; the board voted 5-0 in favor.
Shanahan also briefed the board on emergency repairs to Combustion Turbine 50T and associated equipment and the Mayor and Utility General Manager’s prior emergency declaration for expenses exceeding the spending limit; the board voted 5-0 to recommend that City Council affirm that emergency declaration.
Troy Schaben presented terms for replacing private water service lines under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program; the board unanimously recommended the terms to City Council. Dan Gillis presented a design contract with Schemmer Associates for renovation of the Fremont Municipal Building in the amount of $327,600; the board voted 5-0 to recommend Resolution 2026-056 authorizing the Mayor to sign that contract.
The meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m. All recommendations recorded by the board are advisory and will proceed to the City Council for final approval or signature authorization as noted.
