Casey council approves contracts, bonding steps for 2024 water main improvements

The Casey City Council on Monday approved key contracts and bonding steps to advance the 2024 Water Main Improvement Project, including hiring bond counsel and awarding the construction contract to Max Smith Construction LLC. Council action also set a public hearing on an SRF water revenue loan for the project.

Councilmember Bret Wedemeyer moved to approve an engagement letter with Dorsey & Whitney LLP to serve as bond counsel for the project; Councilmember Rick Blake seconded and the motion carried with Councilmembers Wedemeyer, Theresa Schiller, Leland Acker and Blake voting aye (Councilmember Richter was absent). The council subsequently approved the construction contract, bond surety and certificate of insurance submitted by Veenstra & Kimm and Max Smith Construction (motion by Wedemeyer, second by Schiller; same vote tally).

Councilmember Theresa Schiller introduced and the council adopted Resolution No. 2024-19 to set a public hearing date to consider entering into a State Revolving Fund (SRF) Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement related to the water main improvements. The council also adopted Resolution No. 2024-20 approving the executed construction contract and the required performance and payment bonds for the project.

The meeting record shows unanimous affirmative votes among present members on these items (ayes: Wedemeyer, Schiller, Acker and Blake; Richter absent). The council did not record public comment on the water project during the meeting.

Next steps include the scheduled public hearing required for the SRF loan agreement and completion of any remaining bond-closing documentation; the council accepted both the bond counsel engagement and contractor insurance/bonding during the Aug. 5 meeting.