DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Award And Execute Consultant Contract With Kimley-Horn And Associates, Inc. For Alignment Analysis Services For Vermillion Highlands Greenway In Cities Of Rosemount And Empire, And Amend Budget To Move Funding For New Project, Project #2000642
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a consulting services contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for a feasibility study to identify the preferred alignment and grade-separated crossing type for the Vermillion Highlands Greenway at County State Aid Highway 46, in coordination with County Project 99-013.
SUMMARY
The primary purpose of this project is to determine a preferred alignment and grade-separated crossing infrastructure type for the Vermillion Highlands Greenway at CSAH 46 in coordination with County Project 99-013, which is already underway. In partnership with the University of Minnesota and their UMORE property, this alignment will need to prioritize other important factors in the evaluation of a grade-separated crossing/trail alignment options that include:
Proposed Akron Ave alignment
This will need to work in coordination with the CSAH 46 preliminary design project and with University of Minnesota-owned parcels along the greenway corridor.
Environmental constraints
Additional analysis is needed regarding known soil contamination in the area, building upon environmental analysis in the area from previous projects.
University operations/research
UMore Rosemount Research and Outreach Center (RROC) research fields are essential to the University of Minnesota’s mission and cannot be disrupted. Additional operational details and preliminary design files will be shared with the University during the alignment study. The University’s long-term mining lease agreements in UMore Park, west of Akron Avenue and north and south of CSAH 46, will also influence the preferred alignment.
Long-range development impacts
In 2015, the Board of Regents approved market-based development of UMore Park. The County will consult with the University of Minnesota on the alternatives considered for the grade-separated crossing with regards to future development/land use, as prior concept plans are no longer current and could change.
If budget allows an optional task the consultant could provide is 3D visualization of the preferred alignment. Having this available will help stakeholders and partners see a clearer vision of the preferred alignment. Having 3D visualization could also strengthen external funding proposals.
Consultant Selection and Roles. Dakota County issued a Request for Proposal for the above-noted services to seven consultant teams on November 19, 2025. Four proposals were received and evaluated by County staff representing the Parks, Planning, and Transportation offices on December 19, 2025. Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. was selected as the preferred professional engineering consultants based on the following criteria: project understanding, project approach, team expertise, quality control, performance on similar projects, and best-value cost. The costs and hours proposed were considered reasonable, and the total contract cost was within the range anticipated by staff.
The consultant submitted a cost proposal as follows:
Consultant Amount Hours Cost/Hour
Bolton & Menk $278,821 1010 $276.06
TKDA $204,045 992 $205.69
MSA Professional Services, Inc. $186,815 1036 $180.32
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. $166,670 1069 $155.91
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends executing a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the professional design services for a feasibility study to identify the preferred alignment and grade-separated crossing type for the Vermillion Highlands Greenway Project at CSAH 46 (2000642) for actual costs not to exceed $182,330, which includes one optional task for 3D visualization.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2026-2030 Parks Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes budget in the amount of $2.05M for Vermillion Highlands Greenway - Rosemount, which is still in final design pending future development. Staff recommends using a portion of the construction funding to fund this feasibility study. A budget amendment is needed to move the funding to the new project.
Project 2000234 Vermillion Highlands Greenway - Rosemount
|
Funding Source |
Total Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Transportation Advance Account |
$759,702 |
$488,076 |
|
Environmental Legacy Fund (ELF) Balance |
$106,875 |
$0 |
|
Sales and Use Tax |
$1,184,089 |
$1,184,089 |
|
Total |
$2,050,666 |
$1,672,165 |
☐ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☒ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to provide a great place to live, Dakota County is proceeding with portions of the Vermillion Highlands Greenway Project (2000642) for feasibility study; and
WHEREAS, County staff sent a Request for Proposal to seven qualified professional consultants; and
WHEREAS, four proposals were received and evaluated by County staff; and
WHEREAS, the proposal from Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. had the best-value costs for alignment design and provides all the services needed; and
WHEREAS, the County Parks Director recommends executing a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for engineering consulting services for the Vermillion Highlands Greenway for actual costs not to exceed $182,330.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Director to execute a contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., 14800 Galaxie Ave, Suite 200, Apple Valley, MN 55124 to perform alignment study design consulting services for the Vermillion Highlands Greenway Project (2000642) in an amount not to exceed $182,330, which includes one optional task for 3D visualization if budget allows., subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the 2026 Parks Capital Improvement Program budget is hereby amended as follows:
Expense
Vermillion Highlands GW - Rosemount (2000234) ($182,330)
Vermillion Highlands GW - CSAH 46 (2000642) $182,330
Total Expense $0
Revenue
Vermillion Highlands GW - Rosemount - Sales & Use Tax ($182,330)
Vermillion Highlands GW - CSAH 46 - Sales & Use Tax $182,330
Total Revenue $0
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: VHG CSAH 46 Project Location Map
Attachment: Consultant Selection Summary CSAH 46
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: Mike Adams