DEPARTMENT: Transportation
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Joint Powers Agreement With Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization, For Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine Repairs Project, Ravenna Township
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a joint powers agreement (JPA) with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) for the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine Repairs Project, County Project 54-010.
SUMMARY
To promote a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County, in cooperation with the VRWJPO, completed erosion stabilization on the Sontag Ravine located on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 54 (Ravenna Trail) a half mile north of CSAH 68 (200th Street). County Project (CP) 54-010 improved safety and operations of Ravenna trail by eliminating sand and debris from washing over the road and ultimately into the Vermillion River. Construction of the stabilization project was completed in the spring of 2024.
During the summer of 2025, high-intensity rainfall and elevated stream flows undermined the rock structures, displaced the riprap, scoured the channel bed, and accelerated wear at the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine beyond what would be expected under normal precipitation and flow conditions. These rainfall events caused damage to the previously constructed stabilization, necessitating repairs.
VRWJPO staff prepared design drawings and specifications to repair the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine, which is necessary to maintain compliance with the Grant Agreement (Project). These were approved by the County. Staff conducted a pre-bid meeting and oversaw the advertisement and contracting process. The repairs to the Sontag Ravine project were completed in the late fall of 2025 at a cost of $25,388 and included grading, riprap, and seeding and stabilizing disturbed areas.
A JPA was drafted to allow the definition of the responsibilities of the County and the VRWJPO. Under the terms of the JPA, the VRWJPO is the lead agency. Project responsibilities and project cost sharing obligations are identified in the Attachment: Draft JPA.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends authorizing execution of the JPA with VRWJPO for the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine Repairs Project.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2026-2030 Transportation Capital Improvement Program Adopted Budget for CP 54-010 includes $21,341 in available budget. Sufficient funds exist for the County’s share of the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine repairs, estimated at $19,401.
|
CP 54-010 Funding Source |
Total Budget |
Available Budget |
|
Transportation Fund Balance |
$23,091 |
$21,341 |
|
Total |
$23,091 |
$21,341 |
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to promote a safe and efficient transportation system, Dakota County, in cooperation with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO), completed erosion stabilization on the Sontag Ravine, County Project 54-010; and
WHEREAS, the Sontag Ravine is located on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 54 (Ravenna Trail), a half mile north of CSAH 68 (200th Street); and
WHEREAS, construction of the stabilization project was completed in the spring of 2024; and
WHEREAS, during the summer of 2025, high-intensity rainfall and elevated stream flows undermined the rock structures, displaced the riprap, and scoured the channel bed; and
WHEREAS, rainfall events caused damage to the previously constructed stabilization which necessitated repairs; and
WHEREAS, the VRWJPO staff prepared design drawings and specifications to repair the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine; and
WHEREAS, a joint powers agreement (JPA) was drafted to allow the definition of the responsibilities of the County and the VRWJPO; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends authorizing the execution of the JPA with VRWJPO for the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine Repairs Project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorizes the Transportation Director to execute a joint powers agreement with the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization for the Ravenna Trail Sontag Ravine Repairs Project, subject to approval by the Dakota County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Draft joint powers agreement
Attachment: Project Map
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: Erin Laberee
Author: Jake Chapek