New York Mills approves City Center boiler contract, moves forward with two alternates and short-term borrowing

The New York Mills City Council on March 10, 2026 approved a low bid from Essers Plumbing & Heating of $274,294 to replace the City Center boiler and authorized two alternates that increase the project cost by roughly $70,000. The motion to award the contract and proceed with Alternates 1 and 2 was made by Councilmember Grotheer and seconded by Councilmember Nesland; a roll-call vote recorded Hammond, Nesland and Mayor Latham Hetland in favor and Grotheer abstaining.

City Clerk-Treasurer Julie A. Roberts told the council JPK Engineering recommended moving forward with Essers after the bid opening on March 3 and requested approval of the alternates because the project is approximately $70,000 over the original estimate. Roberts proposed covering $20,000 from the City’s City Hall reserve fund and borrowing $50,000 from the Gas Department’s available cash, with the intent to repay the gas fund over a five-year period.

Public Works Director Kyle Mattson had earlier reported the existing City Center boiler failed for two days and was temporarily repaired by Iron Fireman; Mattson said the planned replacement will include a two-boiler system with a backup unit as part of the City Center upgrades. Roberts and Mattson framed the contract approval as a next step to restore reliable heating and complete planned facility improvements.

The council’s approval authorizes the city to enter into a construction contract with Essers Plumbing & Heating and to commit the described short-term financing plan. The abstention by Grotheer was recorded on the roll-call vote; no further detail on the reason for the abstention was recorded in the minutes. The council did not set a separate repayment schedule beyond the proposed five-year payback to the Gas Department.