Grand Forks City Council Awards Soil Treatment Pad Contract to Second-Lowest Bidder

Concerns over experience and project risks lead council to select Gowan Construction over lower bid from Dirty Deeds Dirtwork

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:07am

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A cinematic painting depicting an old, weathered landfill bulldozer bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of industrial melancholy and the challenges of managing hazardous waste.As Grand Forks prepares for an influx of contaminated soil, the city council's decision to prioritize experience over cost for a critical landfill project reflects the delicate balance between progress and environmental responsibility.Grand Forks Today

The Grand Forks City Council voted 6-1 to award a contract for a soil treatment pad and other work at the Municipal Solid Waste Landfill to the second-lowest bidder, Gowan Construction Inc., over concerns about the lowest bidder, Dirty Deeds Dirtwork Inc., lacking the necessary experience for the project. Public Works Director Sharon Lipsh cited the importance of completing the project correctly, as the upcoming underpass project at 42nd Street will likely result in an abundance of contaminated soil that will need to be treated.

Why it matters

This decision highlights the city's focus on ensuring projects are completed safely and effectively, even if it means not selecting the lowest bid. With the landfill facing an influx of contaminated soil, the council prioritized experience and capability over cost, aiming to mitigate potential risks and issues down the line.

The details

Gowan Construction Inc. was awarded the approximately $480,072 contract, while Dirty Deeds Dirtwork Inc. had the lowest bid at $429,000. Lipsh stated that Gowan Construction has the required experience, staffing, equipment, and processes to handle the project, while Dirty Deeds Dirtwork does not have prior experience with landfill projects. Cordell Wimpfheimer, the project manager at Dirty Deeds Dirtwork, argued that his company and employees have relevant experience, but the council ultimately sided with Lipsh's recommendation.

  • The city council voted on the contract award on April 7, 2026.

The players

Sharon Lipsh

The Public Works Director for the City of Grand Forks, who recommended awarding the contract to Gowan Construction due to their experience and capabilities.

Cordell Wimpfheimer

The project manager at Dirty Deeds Dirtwork, the lowest bidder, who argued that his company and employees have the necessary experience for the landfill project.

Gowan Construction Inc.

The second-lowest bidder awarded the approximately $480,072 contract for the soil treatment pad and other work at the Grand Forks Municipal Solid Waste Landfill.

Dirty Deeds Dirtwork Inc.

The lowest bidder at $429,000 who was not awarded the contract due to concerns over their lack of experience with landfill projects.

Grand Forks City Council

The governing body that voted 6-1 to award the contract to Gowan Construction over the lower bid from Dirty Deeds Dirtwork.

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What they’re saying

“Gowan Construction has demonstrated the experience with similar projects, as well as staffing, equipment and processes needed to meet those requirements.”

— Sharon Lipsh, Public Works Director

“I have worked for other companies in the past that have taken on landfill soil pad remediation work, and a lot of my operators, too, have that experience with other companies doing this similar landfill work.”

— Cordell Wimpfheimer, Project Manager, Dirty Deeds Dirtwork

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This decision by the Grand Forks City Council highlights the importance of prioritizing experience and capability over cost when it comes to critical infrastructure projects, especially those involving the handling of hazardous materials. The council's focus on mitigating risks and ensuring the project is completed correctly, even if it means not selecting the lowest bid, demonstrates their commitment to responsible governance and the well-being of the community.