HURON — The Huron City Commission approved a significant change order for the wastewater treatment plant project as part of its proceedings Monday evening.
City engineer Brett Runge presented the change order to Gridor Construction, Inc. for an increase of $104,864 to the commission with the explanation that it was for the increasing cost of PVC pipe for the project.
Runge explained that the commission acted earlier this year to split costs with Gridor regarding increases in PVC piping 50/50. This is the city’s half of the increased costs above the bid price when the project began. Runge explained that PVC pipe has risen from roughly $26 per foot when the project was bid to roughly $50 per foot when the city agreed to this split with Gridor earlier this year and purchased the remaining PVC needed for the project and now to nearly $70 per foot if the city were to buy additional PVC piping today.
Commissioners approved the change order.
Runge also spoke during the public forum portion of the meeting to remind Huron residents about lawn watering schedules, which went into effect on the first of June. Those who have an odd-numbered house number are to water on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday while those with an even-numbered house number are to water on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. All residents can water on Sundays.
Runge explained that this puts less stress on the city’s water system.
During public forum, Fire Chief Ron Hines brought retired volunteer fireman Troy Merriam forward to recognize him as he was recently named the VFW volunteer firefighter of the year.
Commissioner Mark Robish explained during public forum that a new 3-way stop would be put into place at the intersection of Third Street and Pennington Avenue Southwest.
The commission met as the board of adjustment to review a variance request filed by Dave and Barb Moser for a detached garage to be built closer to the residence at 1785 Riverview Drive than code would allow. After explaining that the garage could not be where code would allow due to a telephone box that would be cost-prohibitive for the homeowners to move, this was approved.
City attorney gave the first reading of Ordinance No. 2236-18-80 regarding building regulations in redevelopment neighborhoods. The ordinance changes wording in a previous ordinance to match with laws passed during this year’s legislative session, set to go into effect in July.
The commission approved the purchase of a fire truck from state surplus for the airport. Hines explained that the truck would replace a 45-year-old truck that is currently serving as the backup truck at the airport.
Commissioners also:
• Approved a police services agreement with Dakota Provisions for the Karen Concert and Soccer Tournament.
• Approved opening and advertising a part-time scale operator position for the solid waste department.
• Approved the hire of Leslie Fraser for Memorial Pro Shop position.
• Accepted the resignation of Ervin Huber from the seasonal mowing position.
• Accepted the resignation of Kerry Huber from the library clerk position.
• Accepted the resignation of Emily Cass from the library clerk position.
• Approved a wage correction for Richard Hohenthaner, tennis.
• Approved the transfer of Victoria Larson from softball maintenance to lifeguard.
City offices will be closed and there will be no city commission meeting July 4 in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
The solid waste department rubble site will be closed on July 2, and July 4, in observation of Independence Day.
Monday’s garbage, recycling, and grass collection will be done on Wednesday, July 6. All containers should be placed out the night before as trucks are starting at 6 a.m. and will not be re-routed.
Those with recycling bins are also asked to remove all caps from bottles. The caps can also be recycled, but for packing purposes and safety of solid waste employees, removal of caps is encouraged.
