DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract Amendment With WSB & Associates, Inc. For Construction Management Services For Minnesota River Greenway Fort Snelling Segment In Burnsville And Eagan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize a contract amendment with WSB & Associates, Inc. (WSB) for construction management services for the Minnesota River Greenway, Fort Snelling Segment, to account for additional management and inspection tasks.
SUMMARY
Dakota County is proceeding with the Minnesota River Greenway, Fort Snelling Segment (P00127) to construct 3.7 miles of the Minnesota River Greenway between trailheads located near Nicols Road and Lone Oak Road in Burnsville and Eagan, including a bridge to cross over railroad owned by Union Pacific (Attachment: Project Map).
By Resolution No. 23-455 (October 10, 2023), the County executed a contract with WSB for $480,961.00 for construction management and inspection services on the trail portion of the project. The trail construction process had experienced several significant challenges impacting the project schedule and scope of work with WSB throughout 2024, including management of a prolonged work stoppage due to de-authorization of the project by MnDOT, management of flood mitigation and restoration measures, and multiple remobilization processes with the contractor, S.M. Hentges & Sons, Inc. WSB has estimated additional incurred and anticipated costs beyond the contract scope (Attachment: Amendment Request):
• Additional survey (December 2023): $16,170
• Management during work stoppage and flooding (2024) $35,766
• Additional mobilization and inspection (January 2025) $ 8,992
• Additional mobilization and inspection (February 2025) $14,130
• Anticipated prolonged paving schedule (Spring 2026) $20,000
Work on several major elements of the greenway, including trail bed and boardwalks, is now complete. Work in 2026 will include paving of the trail, boardwalk railing installation, and signage installation. This work represents fewer project risks, although the paving process will be prolonged due to constraints within the project area.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends execution of a contract amendment with WSB in the amount of $95,058 for additional and expanded scope tasks occurring during construction of the Minnesota River Greenway, Fort Snelling Segment.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The Parks Capital Improvement Program includes a total project budget of $23,457,418, including $3,508,000 in federal funds awarded through the 2018 Regional Solicitation. There is sufficient budget for the proposed contract amendment.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Minnesota River Greenway runs along the south side of the Minnesota River in Dakota County, extending from I-35W in Burnsville to Lilydale Regional Park in St. Paul; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 11-516 (October 18, 2011), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted the Minnesota River Greenway Plan; and
WHEREAS, the rapidly developing and robust recreational network that has developed in the area has created increased demand for completion of the trail connection between the recently constructed Lone Oak Trail Head, the Cedar Nicols Trailhead, and the Minnesota River Greenway Black Dog Segment to the west; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 23-455 (October 10, 2023), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized execution of a contract with WSB & Associates, Inc. (“WSB”) for construction administration and inspection services for the trail portion of the Fort Snelling segment of the Minnesota River Greenway in an amount not to exceed, $480,961.00; and
WHEREAS, construction of the trail began in December 2023 but was suspended due to insufficient permitting clearances related to a cultural site within the project area; and
WHEREAS, progress towards construction of the trail was further set back due to severe flooding of the project area, requiring mitigation and restoration efforts; and
WHEREAS, these incidents and additional challenges related to the construction process have resulted in an expanded scope of work and extended schedule for WSB & Associates, Inc. to oversee the construction process; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends execution of a contract amendment with WSB in the amount of $95,058 for additional and expanded scope tasks occurring during construction of the Minnesota River Greenway, Fort Snelling Segment.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Director to amend the contract with WSB & Associates, Inc. by $95,058 to an amended amount not to exceed $576,019.00, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
11-516; 10/18/11
23-455; 10/10/23
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Project Map
Attachment: Amendment Request
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: Joe Morneau