Kandiyohi council approves utility purchases, selects billing software and bond counsel; Phase I construction award awaits USDA review

The Kandiyohi City Council on Sept. 2 approved several infrastructure and operations purchases, adopted a revised flow meter testing policy for fire hydrants and selected vendors for software and interim bond counsel while awaiting federal review of Phase I construction bids.

Mayor Jon Lindstrand opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. and the council moved quickly through routine business. Council Member Jeff Clark motioned to approve the consent agenda, which included the Aug. 18 minutes and the claims list; Council Member Toby Giese seconded and the motion passed.

The council voted to adopt a revised Flow Meter Testing Policy for city fire hydrants after a motion from Council Member Jeff Clark and a second from Council Member Toby Giese; a recorded voice vote listed Giese, Clark and Scott McGillivray as voting yes, with Council Member Spencer Hunt absent. Public Works Supervisor Brandon Huls presented equipment quotes and the council approved multiple related purchases: 300 feet of 6-inch drain tile for Center Park to improve storm drainage; a low-cost angle‑bracket berm from Interstate Products at $1,140 for diesel spill containment and an amended motion to include purchase of a 500‑gallon diesel tank; and overhead door seals for the fire hall from Snirt Stopper for $1,790, purchased from the Fire Hall Maintenance account (Council Member Toby Giese abstained on the door-seal vote).

On utility metering, Huls presented three meter options with ten-year warranty terms (Badger ultrasonic, $375 each; Kamstrup ultrasonic, $295 each; Neptune analog, $390 each). The council voted to purchase Kamstrup ultrasonic meters at $295 per unit as the most cost-effective option.

Clerk/Treasurer Julie Woltjer presented quotes for accounting, payroll and utility-billing systems. After reviewing implementation and ongoing support costs—Banyon’s one-time fee of $6,580 plus $500 conversion and an annual utility-billing support fee of $1,650 (total annual support for fund accounting/payroll/utility billing listed as $3,670)—the council voted to proceed with Banyon Utility Billing Software citing lower total annual support and startup fees compared with the Black Mountain proposal.

Woltjer also presented two $5,000 quotes for MRWA interim financing bond counsel from Taft Law and Kennedy & Graven, Chartered. Council Member Toby Giese moved to accept Taft Law to serve as bond counsel for interim financing for Phase I of the city’s infrastructure projects; the motion carried.

Moore Engineering representative Jonathan Pauna informed the council that Phase I Contract B had been received from Eagle Construction but requires review by USDA Rural Development and the city attorney before the city can issue a notice of award. The transcript lists competitive bids for Phase I Contract A (ranging from approximately $4.00 million to $4.73 million among bidders); the council awaits final authorization from USDA Rural Development before issuing awards and scheduling a preconstruction meeting.

The Minnesota Department of Health’s recent water testing report was shared with the council; the report indicates the city’s water supply met state health guidelines and testing reports are available at the City Office. Clerk/Treasurer Woltjer provided preliminary budget and levy materials for review and noted the council will finalize the preliminary levy at its Sept. 15 meeting.

The meeting closed without further announcements; Council Member Jeff Clark moved to adjourn at 8:20 p.m., a motion seconded by Council Member Toby Giese and adopted without objection.

The actions recorded at the meeting were routine operational approvals and vendor selections; the only major procurement awaiting external review is the Phase I construction award, which is contingent on USDA Rural Development and city attorney review before a formal notice of award can be issued.