Williston OKs Strata Corp. bid for downtown parking-lot improvements, authorizes funding change

The Williston Board of City Commissioners voted July 14 to accept a $732,335.25 bid from Strata Corporation for a city parking-lot improvement project and to direct the city engineer to execute the necessary construction contracts contingent on passage of a funding-change resolution.

City Engineer David Juma told commissioners the base bid was significantly lower than the engineer’s estimate and said the city could “piggyback off of those and save about $106,000 just in mobilization costs” if the contractor could coordinate the work with other projects in town. Juma also explained the project had originally been developed as an assessment district; staff recommended vacating that district and switching to the proposed municipal funding source.

Commissioner Bekkedahl moved to accept the bid; Commissioner Siemieniewski seconded. The motion carried on a 5–0 voice vote. The commission also approved Resolution 26-023 to vacate District 2602 and change the funding source for the Parking Authority lot improvement project.

The project had been advertised under the statutory 21-day bidding period after the city removed the assessment district, and Strata was the only responsive bidder. Juma explained a second prime contractor on the bidders’ list was unable to secure bonding in time for the opening. With the resolution in place, staff will complete contract documents and proceed with construction scheduling.

The city engineer recommended moving forward promptly to leverage the contractor’s local presence and reduce mobilization costs; commissioners approved the recommendation without dissent. The commission’s vote authorizes the city engineer to finalize contracts contingent on the previously approved funding resolution.