Mineral council approves hiring SEH for water-well engineering study using grant funds

The Mineral Town Council voted to hire engineering firm SEH to perform a water-well engineering study and to assist with grant applications after staff said SEH’s quote was less than the available grant.

Council members said the grant would cover the study: the chair noted “the grant was $45,000” and staff reported SEH’s quote was under that amount. Council member David Hempstead moved to hire the firm; a second was recorded and the council approved the motion by roll call.

Supporters said prompt action would let the town pursue federal and state funding and begin technical work needed for well siting and grant compliance. One councilor said the engineer would also help file other grant claims and that moving quickly was important so the town can meet funding timelines.

Votes were taken by roll call and the clerk recorded affirmative votes for multiple council members; the roll-call record in the transcript shows yes votes from several members and does not capture every individual vote in full detail. The motion approved hiring SEH and instructed staff to circulate the proposal to council and proceed with next steps, including a possible special meeting if further approval is required.

Council also discussed budget timing and scheduled a follow-up budget meeting for April 18 to incorporate the engineer study and other adjustments.

No contract award amount was signed at the meeting; staff said they would circulate the quote and paperwork before executing any contract.