Attorney says hail‑damage sealed‑bid process likely paused after contractor contest

Attorney Jennison told the council that nuisance cases (notably barking‑dog prosecutions) are moving through court and that the city will send blight‑notice letters; she then addressed the hail‑damage repair bidding and said the seller Advantage has contested the second sealed‑bid round.

“We’ve had the first appearances earlier this month and one individual already pled guilty,” Jennison said about the nuisance prosecutions, then turned to the hail‑damage procurement and described the dispute: she said Advantage had served a letter contesting the second round and that the city has consulted the League of Minnesota Cities to determine next steps. “I think it’s pretty likely that we’re going to put a halt or put a stop on the current bids that are coming through,” she said, adding that council discussion should be limited while legal counsel and the League advise.

Jennison explained the first sealed‑bid round (in April) produced one bid that the League judged non‑responsive and unreasonable for the specifications, prompting a second round; Advantage now asserts it was awarded the contract under the earlier process and is contesting the restart. City staff said they received the vendor’s letter late Friday and began consulting the League that afternoon.

Council members agreed to await legal guidance; no formal action to suspend bidding was recorded beyond the attorney’s statement that halting the current bids was likely. Staff signaled they will report back at the next council meeting with recommended next steps after counsel and the League provide direction.