Williston tables materials‑testing contract for Public Works building, approves short‑term hire after split vote

The Board of City Commissioners on May 10 tabled consideration of a final contract to provide third‑party materials testing for the Public Works Building Expansion and authorized an interim arrangement with Braun Inter‑Tech to provide immediate testing services.

City Engineer Bob Hanson outlined competing quotes from four firms (estimates ranged roughly from $25,192 to $67,117) and said estimates reflected differing assumptions about the number of site visits and tests; staff estimated final testing costs would be $35,000–$40,000. Hanson recommended Braun Inter‑Tech, which had provided testing during Phase I and has an existing relationship with the project’s general manager, FCI. "Braun provided the testing services for Phase I and already has a relationship with FCI," Hanson said.

City Administrator David Tuan and City Attorney Taylor Olson raised procurement‑process concerns and urged more documentation about the scope and reasons for not taking the lowest bid. Commissioner Deanette Piesik asked whether the city should automatically pick the lowest price; Hanson and other staff explained per‑test pricing is similar and the total depends on estimated trips. After discussion the commission voted to table formal approval of the contract but to enter a short‑term contract with Braun Inter‑Tech to ensure testing begins as scheduled (motion passed 4‑1; Klug opposed).

Why it matters: Materials testing is a quality‑assurance requirement for construction; the commission's decision preserves continuity of testing while allowing staff and legal counsel time to reconcile procurement records and contract language before awarding a longer term contract.

The motion to table and the short‑term hire were recorded under the engineering reports and carried on a 4‑1 vote with Mayor Klug dissenting.