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City attorney: lighting bids likely expired; Advantage may seek damages, council awaits demand
Summary
City attorney Ken Jansen told the council that ballpark lighting bids were likely past the 60‑day validity window and that a contractor (Advantage) has signaled a possible claim; the League of Minnesota Cities has engaged outside counsel and staff expect a clearer path by the next meeting.
City attorney Ken Jansen told the Green Isle City Council that the ballpark lighting bid window had likely lapsed and that the city is dealing with a potential claim from a bidder identified in the discussion as Advantage.
"Those bids were good for 60 days — it looks like we're past that 60 days," Jansen said, explaining that Advantage has submitted a letter that may seek damages. Jansen said the League of Minnesota Cities has engaged attorney Kelly Ryan to represent the city and that Ms. Ryan believes the city could prevail but will reach out to Advantage to clarify what damages or settlement the company might seek.
Jansen said the city is weighing whether to negotiate a settlement for bid-preparation costs or proceed to litigation if Advantage seeks additional damages; he recommended staff get details from Advantage before taking further action and said the League may contribute some amount to resolve the matter without litigation.
Separately, the council agreed to sign over a nominal allotment of county election funds to the county (discussion referenced other cities’ practice). The record shows a motion to move the funds per the agreement to the county (discussed as Anoka or Sibl County during the exchange); the motion passed by voice vote.
Jansen said staff expect more definitive information about the Advantage claim and the contractor bids by the next council meeting and will report back.
