DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Professional Design Service Contract With SRF For Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access Project In Spring Lake Park Reserve
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a professional design service contract with SRF for the Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access Project in Spring Lake Park Reserve, County Project (CP) 2000410.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 21-313 (June 22, 2021), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the Spring Lake Park Reserve (SLPR) Masterplan, which outlines the development of the Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access (MRLUA&A) project. By Resolution No. 23-309 (July 18, 2023), the 2024 Park’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted Budget includes a project to develop the MRLUA&A.
The MRLUA&A, previously referred to as Bud’s Landing near Fischer Avenue in SLPR, is currently used to provide limited public water access to the Mississippi River for waterfowl hunting and other general recreation. The current road is subject to erosion. Minimal parking creates challenges for visitors and programming, and the road grade is steep and not Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant for pedestrian use.
The project will provide an accessible pedestrian path connecting Fischer Trailhead and/or Camp Spring Lake Retreat Center, a maintenance path for County vehicles, a boat launch for small watercraft, wayfinding and interpretation elements, a riverside hiking trail, and vegetation restoration. The team will also study the feasibility of providing vehicular access for the public, parking, an outdoor classroom, watercraft rental facilities, a fishing access point, picnic tables, vault toilets, and water lab experiential education features.
The site has a long history of precontact use and habitation by Indigenous people and was previously identified on the Traditional Culture Properties Survey. In 2024, a non-invasive geotechnical survey was conducted to identify the specific nature of cultural sites in the project area. The initial survey found no evidence that would rule out development. County staff consulted with Tribal Partners in April 2025 and confirmed that they are informed of the preliminary archaeological findings and are ready to move ahead. Staff will continue engaging Tribal Partners during the design and construction process.
Staff developed a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional design services. The RFP was issued to the public via the Internet on May 22, 2025. Three proposals were received on June 12, 2025. The proposers are LHB, SRF, and WSB. After reviewing and evaluating the written proposals and responses, staff invited LHB, SRF, and WSB to interview on June 24, 2025. Those interviewed are shown in the chart below:
Total Fee Hours Average Hourly Rates
LHB $307,350.00 2019 H $150.74/H
SRF $315,221.50 1750 H $179.00/H
WSB $403,832.00 2342 H $171.79/H
The fees for the firms interviewed were all below the budget for design on the project.
Following the interview and discussion, staff unanimously recommends the selection of SRF to be awarded a contract for professional design services for this project. Their proposal narrative response outlined how they could provide the professional services for the scope as described in the RFP. Even though their quote is 2.5% higher than the lowest bidder, the selection committee believes SRF has the best engineering knowledge to deliver the riverfront construction. They have outlined a clear approach and the best understanding of the site constraints. The interview process allowed the firm to deeply explore the specifics of this project. The selection committee agreed that SRF could provide the best professional services as described in the RFP, for a reasonable cost. A consultant evaluation summary detailing the proposal process, review team, evaluation criteria, and results, and best value cost evaluation is included in Attachment: Consultant Evaluation Summary.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the execution of a professional design service contract with SRF for the MRLUA&A Project in SLPR for actual costs not to exceed $315,221.50.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
By Resolution No. 23-309 (July 18, 2023), the 2024 Parks CIP includes a budget for this project. By Resolution No. 24-007 (September 24, 2024), the 2025 Parks CIP was amended, and the budget now includes $4,763,164 in total funding for this project which will be sufficient for this professional design service contract.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the 2024 Parks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted Budget includes a project to design and construct the Mississippi River Landing Use Area and Access project in Spring Lake Park Reserve; and
WHEREAS, the scope of the work includes professional design services for design through construction administration; and
WHEREAS, a Request for Proposals was prepared and issued to the public via the internet on May 22, 2025; and
WHEREAS, three proposals were received on June 12, 2025; and
WHEREAS, following the proposal evaluations, staff invited all three firms to interview for this project on June 24, 2025; and
WHEREAS, following the interviews, staff reached a unanimous decision to recommend SRF as the consultant firm to provide the specified professional design services for this project; and
WHEREAS, SRF has submitted a total fee proposal of $315,221.50 for professional design services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Facilities Director to execute a contract with SRF to perform professional services for Mississippi River Landing Area and Access Project in Spring Lake Park Reserve in an amount not to exceed $315,221.50, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
21-313; 06/22/21
23-309; 07/18/23
24-007; 09/24/24
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Consultant Evaluation Summary
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: Yao Xiao