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Williston approves Engine 2 change orders after discussion over custom specs, oversight
Summary
The Board approved two change orders for the Engine 2 fire apparatus after Interim Fire Chief Corey Johnson explained lighting and component substitutions caused by supply-chain and specification changes; commissioners requested future comparisons of stock vs. customized vehicles and reinforced that change orders should come before the board.
The Williston Board of City Commissioners on March 10 approved two change orders for Engine 2 of the Fire Department after Interim Fire Chief Corey Johnson described adjustments made during pre-construction review.
Johnson said one change order covered emergency vehicle components (lighting and replacement parts) and another covered structural component revisions. During the presentation he stated the larger change was $24,324.24 and the smaller $3,433.19, and explained that some original components ordered in 2022 were no longer available because of supply-chain issues and required replacement options. Later in the meeting the motion to approve listed the two amounts as $3,433.19 and $25,324.24; the board approved the change orders by voice vote (AYE: Bekkedahl, Bervig, Gjovig, Klug).
Commissioner Bekkedahl pressed for more comparative information on stock versus customized apparatus — including costs and rationale — and requested a future presentation that shows what features are needs versus wants. City Administrator Shawn Wenko acknowledged the change orders were implemented in May 2025 and said the city will reinforce that all change orders come to the board for approval.
Chief Johnson said the department involves rank-and-file personnel in specifications to ensure the apparatus meets local operating conditions, citing cold-weather needs such as added insulation and pump heaters and noting the department does not use some NFPA-stock features (for example hard suction hose for drafting) because the city does not draft in municipal responses. Johnson said smaller, more efficient layouts were specified to suit local apparatus use and equipment storage. The chief estimated the new engine would be delivered in 45–60 days.
