City approves purchase of Campus Center boiler system

by Benjamin Chase
of the Plainsman

HURON –– The Huron City Commission approved a notable expenditure on an emergency basis on Monday evening. The commission approved a new boiler system for the Campus Center at a cost of $177,595.

The boiler system failed on Jan. 27 in the Campus Center. A local contractor was able to bring one boiler back online, but the repair was still needed. A boiler system was in the 2026 budget already, but upon review, the budget of $148,000 was for a system that would be inadequate for the space. To get a boiler system with 1.2 million BTU, Allied Claims Professionals LLC from Groton submitted the bid that was ultimately approved by the commission.

Commissioner Bryan Smith asked Parks and Recreation Director Chad Schroder about the bid and if it was higher due to the emergency status of the project. Schroder expressed that going through a “traditional” bid process with the higher BTU amount would have likely ended with a very similar bid amount, which was over budget by nearly $30,000. The difference will come from second penny reserves.

Mayor Mark Robisch reminded residents at the beginning of the meeting during public forum to participate in the third annual Huron Burger Battle. This year’s competition features 13 competitors across town.

The commission approved the purchase of two trucks through Beck Motors. The first was a half-ton pickup for the wastewater department at a cost of $42,508. The second was a 3/4-ton pickup for the street department at a cost of $47,221. The budget for each truck was $44,000, and both quotes were through state bid.

An inspection resolution for the Third Street bridge was approved to meet state bridge inspection requirements. IMEG Consultants will be hired to do the inspection, and cost will be split, with the state paying 80 percent of costs and the city responsible for 20 percent.

The city approved a quit claim deed and certificate of real estate value for South Commercial Lot 2D, which is the lot of the proposed hotel in Southtown.

Commissioners also:

• Approved a parade permit for Wheel Jam Truck Show on June 7 at 11 a.m.
• Acknowledged the reinstatement of Officer Stephanie Vaitohi to the police department from military leave, effective Feb. 9. Vaitohi was thanked for her service.
• Approved the employment of Ryan Briesemeister as a police officer, effective Feb. 9, with a 1040-hour probationary period.
• Acknowledged that teen/tween librarian Monty Benally has completed a 60-day probationary period, effective Feb. 1.
  

The solid waste department announced holiday hours for Monday, Feb. 16, in recognition of President’s Day. The rubble site will be closed on that day, and Monday’s garbage and recycling routes will pick up on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Bins should be out the night before as trucks will not be rerouted.