Waite Park City Council Unanimously Approves Final Bid Package for City Hall Expansion

(KNSI) — The Waite Park City Council voted unanimously Monday night to approve the second and final bid package for the city hall expansion.

It includes all remaining construction materials and future landscaping work for when the new building is complete. Officials celebrated the move, including Public Works Supervisor Bill Schluenz. “It was a great night for the city of Waite Park. We’ve got a really good project, we’ve got great contractors. Probably the biggest benefit was knowing that over half of them are from Waite Park or the metro area. So, that’s a huge win for everybody here locally.”

The first package was passed in May to allow for targeted demolition. Ceiling tiles were pulled away so the second round of bidders could see the work that needs to be done. Schluenz points out that it also gave workers a head start. The foundation will be poured within days. “So, they call it site development. They’re digging and grading and getting the site ready for footings, and that’s where we’re at today. As the contractor stated, they hoped to start digging out and pouring footings as of today, but with the weather and the rain, I’d have to push them back a couple days.”

The project will come in about 7% below initial cost estimates. It is expected to be complete by the second half of 2026.

Mayor Ken Schmitt was absent from the meeting.

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