DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization And Approval To Award Construction Contracts To Accomplish 2025 Parks Greenway Preservation And Parks Asset Preservation Capital Improvement Projects
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize awarding construction contracts necessary to accomplish 2025 Parks Greenway Preservation and Parks Asset Preservation Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.
SUMMARY
To provide safe and efficient transportation in Dakota County, Transportation Department staff regularly requests County Board (Board) approval for actions required to deliver projects in the adopted 2025 Transportation, Park, and Facilities CIP. Staff is requesting advanced approval and delegation of authority to the County Manager for construction contract awards under certain circumstances. The requested action will streamline these administrative activities required to move projects forward and allow for efficient timelines.
Staff requests the delegation of authority to the County Manager to award construction contracts to the lowest responsible bidder for preservation projects identified for construction in the adopted 2025 Parks CIP, consistent with County Policies, and provided sufficient funds are available for the contract. Any awards not to the low bidder that require a budget amendment or the rejection of bids will be brought to the Board for action.
Periodic project updates and approvals will continue to be presented to the Board consistent with current practice. This authorization would not alter the current Board process for adopting projects in the CIP each year or the process for obtaining Board approval for professional services contracts, study recommendations, property valuations, authority to initiate quick-take condemnation, and right of way settlements.
This board action request is very similar to that which was approved by Resolution No. 25-053 (January 21, 2025). It was determined that projects under the Greenway Preservation and Parks Asset Preservation, as listed in the 2025 CIP, were not included in Resolution No. 25-053 (January 21, 2025).
The Preservation of Paved Trails and Facilities package includes 15 separate construction plans. The projects in the package are a combination of Transportation, Parks, and Facilities projects. By Resolution No. 25-053 (January 21, 2025), 12 of these projects already have authorization to be awarded administratively. Three greenway trail preservation projects, which fall under the Parks 2025 CIP, are not covered by Resolution No. 25-053 (January 21, 2025), and authorization is needed to award the projects administratively to keep the construction on schedule.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff requests advanced authorization to award construction contracts to the lowest responsive bidder as necessary to accomplish 2025 Parks CIP preservation projects consistent with County policies, subject to the availability of funding identified in the CIP and subject to the County's Attorney's Office as to form.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The County Board approved the 2025 CIP on December 17, 2024. There is sufficient budget in the Greenway Preservation and Parks Asset Preservation Set asides for the award of the contracts.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the Dakota County Physical Development Administration Department regularly requests County Board approval for actions required to deliver projects in the adopted Capital Improvement Program (CIP); and
WHEREAS, awarding construction contracts to the lowest responsible bidder is a regular consent action item brought forward to the Board for projects in the CIP; and
WHEREAS, awards to bidders that are not the low bid would be brought to the County Board for approval; and
WHEREAS, this resolution does not alter the Board process for adopting projects in the CIP each year or the process for obtaining Board approval for professional services contracts, study recommendations, appraisals, and right of way settlements; and
WHEREAS, project updates would continue to be presented to the Board; and
WHEREAS, staff will provide the Board with a detailed list of authorized projects, including budget reference information, and provide periodic updates on executed and construction contract awards.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners delegates authority to the County Manager or designee to award construction contracts to the lowest responsible bidder, consistent with County Policies, provided sufficient funds are available for the following projects:
Parks:
• 2000230 - Greenway Preservation
• 1006040 - Parks Asset Preservation
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
25-053; 1/21/25
ATTACHMENTS
None
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: Kevin Krech