Garfield council authorizes Performance Services water contract, approves standpipe change order and hires auditor

The City of Garfield council on Aug. 12, 2025 authorized Mayor Gary Blackburn to sign a contract with Performance Services to proceed with planned water infrastructure improvements and approved two related actions: a construction change order on the standpipe project and an agreed-upon-procedure (AUP) engagement for the 2024 Water Fund.

Donnie Chambers of Performance Services presented the updated proposed contract and answered council questions; water board member Douglas Sutton and resident James Jolly spoke in support of the contract. After discussion Council Member Rambo moved and the council authorized the mayor to sign the contract with Performance Services; the motion passed 4–0.

Mayor Blackburn reported that Landmark CPA released the city from a previously signed engagement letter and that Berry & Associates indicated they can complete an AUP by the end of the year. Council Member Teeselink moved to retain Berry & Associates to perform the agreed-upon procedure for the 2024 Water Fund; the motion passed unanimously.

Regarding the standpipe project, the construction phase is largely complete except for ladder installation and painting. Because the project scope was changed to upgrade valves to 6 inches, the council approved a change order in the amount of $8,000 to cover that work. Council Member Smead moved and council approved the change order by unanimous vote.

The meeting record does not include line-item budget numbers for the Performance Services contract itself. The council’s approvals direct the mayor and staff to execute the contract and proceed with completed construction work and audit engagement steps.