Willmar approves county‑led Willmar Public Library roof replacement; city’s 60% share reported at $631,826

Kandiyohi County officials told the Willmar City Council on Jan. 28 they plan to replace the Willmar Public Library roof and requested the city’s authorization to proceed and award a contract.

Andy Thorsen, Facilities Maintenance Director for Kandiyohi County, said the library’s original roof dates to 1899 and that the building has multiple roof sections, which makes the work labor intensive. The county recommended a modified built‑up roofing system carrying a 30‑year warranty that could be overlaid later to extend the roof life to about 50 years. Thorsen said the county explored cooperative procurement options, including Sourcewell and Gordian, and recommended contracting with the McDowell Company (as identified in the meeting packet).

Thorsen said the full project was about $1.1 million and the city’s 60% share was $631,826 (described in the staff presentation as "$631,826 and some odd change"). Council members asked about material choice and lifecycle cost; Thorsen said the specified material is more expensive but extends service life and that the county has used it on other buildings.

On the roll call the motion to authorize proceeding and contract award passed 5 ayes to 1 no (Nosk opposed).