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Washburn commissioners approve ordinance review engagement, spending-limit changes and several equipment purchases
Summary
The commission authorized an outside review of revised ordinances with an $8,000 engagement cap, adjusted spending limits for day-to-day purchases, approved surplus-equipment auctions with new minimum bids, and approved water-plant purchases including a $4,745 jar tester and $4,281.38 in pump parts.
At the Feb. 9 Washburn City Commission meeting, staff asked the commission to authorize outside legal review to finalize a reorganization of the city’s ordinances. The City had been converting old ordinances into a League of Cities model and staff asked for legal help to confirm procedures for enactment, publication and fine schedules.
The commission approved engaging outside counsel to review the changes and enactment procedure and amended the engagement cap in the meeting from $6,000 to $8,000. Commissioners discussed whether the city attorney could perform the work and decided the scope and workload warranted outside review. "We just need somebody to review these and tell us if we're doing it right," (staff) said as the basis for seeking external help.
The commission also approved updates to the city’s authorized spending limits and emergency approval process. Commissioners added a requirement that a portfolio commissioner be notified and sign off on purchases in the $501–$4,000 tier to increase oversight; several related amendments passed on roll-call votes.
On operational items the commission approved a $4,745 purchase to replace an aging jar tester at the water treatment plant and authorized ordering pump parts totaling $4,281.38 (pre-shipping). The commission also authorized listing several surplus pieces of equipment on PublicSurplus and approved raised minimum starting bids for large items; staff will post inventories and set a 30-day listing window.
The commission approved a replat by David Byer that will allow individual sale of trailer lots and accepted transfer of Garden Drive to the city; the city will not assume responsibility for the private water and sewer infrastructure, which will remain privately owned.
Each of these items passed by roll-call or voice vote; no new taxes or bond authorizations were made at the meeting.
