Fergus Falls Council approves $2M in engineering task orders, settlement with Carleton Companies
The Fergus Falls City Council on Aug. 3 approved eight engineering task orders with Moore Engineering for 2027 street improvement projects, totaling $2,017,424.04, and approved a settlement agreement with Carleton Companies. Both votes were 7-1. The council also approved payments and claims of $1,166,125.42 and authorized bidding for reconstruction of the City Hall clock tower cupola.
City Council (Aug. 3)
In addition to the engineering task orders and settlement, the council:
- Removed two parcels from TIF District 4-14.
- Approved the consent agenda, which included the 2027 HRA levy request of $285,000, a Towards Zero Deaths grant fiscal-host authorization, and a WorkSTEPS contract for police physical agility testing at $185 per test.
- Authorized soliciting bids for the clock tower cupola reconstruction.
Committee of the Whole (July 29)
The Committee of the Whole, meeting earlier, made recommendations that the council later acted on. Among its actions:
- Recommended a $285,000 HRA tax levy for 2027.
- Authorized the police department as fiscal host for the Towards Zero Deaths grant (Oct. 2026–Sep. 2027).
- Approved a WorkSTEPS contract for pre-employment physical agility testing.
- Authorized a Joint Powers Agreement with the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
- Approved eight engineering task orders totaling $2,017,424.04.
- Updated the water booster pump reimbursement policy to $1,800 for new pumps and $1,200 for replacements.
- Approved an amended data practices policy.
- Recommended a $7,650 city share for an airport optimization planning study.
Planning Commission (July 27)
The Planning Commission discussed a revised draft ordinance regulating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The draft establishes two tiers: Tier 1 (600 kWh or less) permitted in all zoning districts, and Tier 2 (larger systems) conditionally permitted in R-A and Industrial districts. The commission lacked quorum to take action at a prior meeting; no vote was taken at this session. Commissioner Vukonich recused himself due to energy industry work.
Coming up
The Committee of the Whole will meet Aug. 12 to consider:
- A 5-year EarthCam affiliate agreement for a free 4K camera at Spies Riverfront Park (city provides power and internet; $30,000 in hardware/services at no cost).
- An ordinance adding Chapter 154.300–154.308 (Battery Energy Storage Systems) to city code.
- A mutual non-disclosure agreement with GFY Custom Crafts L.L.C.
- A Wright Park donation discussion led by Council Member Mortenson.