DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With Damon Farber Associates Inc. For Greenway Systems Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a contract with Damon Farber Associates Inc. for the Greenways Systems Plan.
SUMMARY
In 2010 Dakota County adopted the Greenways Guidebook as a tool for planning and collaborating with city partners. As Dakota County Greenways have evolved, including the addition of Greenways specific project management team, projects have become more complex, stakeholders have increased, and more projects are being delivered. Because of this, a refresh of the 2010 document to a more comprehensive system plan is needed. Goals include, but are not limited to:
• Establish codified cost sharing policies for Greenway Collaborative projects.
• Establish operational goals and policies and create a more seamless transition from greenway development to operational greenway. This includes natural resource implementation, maintenance, and programming.
• Update the defining elements of a Greenway to include public art and interpretation.
• Develop conceptual design standards to facilitate the delivery of projects with consultants and city stakeholders.
Dakota County’s request for proposal received four responses on January 12, 2026, which includes firms with trail planning and design, community engagement, and design guidebook expertise (Attachment: Proposal Scoresheet).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends selection of Damon Farber Associates Inc. for the Greenway Systems Plan. The recommendation is based on a strong proposal and consultant interview that communicates their experience with delivering system level plans, specifically on multi-use trails and parks. Damon Farber and their staff also have a track record with working on Dakota County parks and greenways and with Dakota County city partners. Their proposal and interview indicated that they would be the best value consultant based on their project understanding, expertise, and capability to deliver the project.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The Parks and Greenways Capital Improvement Program includes $150,000 for Project 2000663 Greenways System Plan. This project will utilize Transportation Advancement Account (TAA) funding. There is sufficient project budget available to fund the Greenway System Plan contract
Project 2000663 Greenways System Plan
|
Funding Source |
Total Approved Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Transportation Advance Account (TAA) |
$150,000 |
$150,000 |
|
Total |
$150,000 |
$150,000 |
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, a system level document for greenways, The Greenway Guidebook, was last adopted in 2010; and
WHEREAS, an updated plan is needed to provide a contemporary vision for Dakota County Greenways; and
WHEREAS, updated system-wide policies and standards are needed to create efficiencies in Greenway planning, development, and operations and maintenance; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s request for proposals received four responses; and
WHERAS, staff recommends the selection of Damon Farber Associates Inc. for the Greenway Systems Plan as the best value and strongest proposal; and
WHEREAS, the Parks and Greenways Capital Improvement Program Budget includes $150,000 in the Greenways System Plan for 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Director to execute a contract with Damon Farber Associates Inc. to develop the Greenway Systems Plan in an amount not to exceed $150,000, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
10-487; 9/28/2010
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Proposal Score Sheet
Attachment: Proposal Fee Sheet
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☒ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Niki Geisler
Author: Michael Honer