DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With HKGI For The Mississippi River Greenway Long-Range Plan
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a contract with HKGI, for the Mississippi River Greenway Long-Range Plan.
SUMMARY
Since the adoption of the current Mississippi River Greenway Plan in 1998, Dakota County has completed the trail component of the greenway from South St Paul to Hastings and is in preliminary design for a six-mile connection between Hastings and the Prairie Island Indian Community. The overall goal is to create a contemporary plan that meets the County’s current greenway vision. The plan will include a public engagement process and project management team (PMT) composed of key city and county staff. The new plan will support external funding requests and provide a framework for ongoing partnerships with communities along the Mississippi River.
As a part of the regional trail system, the plan will meet all Metropolitan Council requirements for regional destination trails/greenways and incorporate concepts and elements of the Dakota County Greenway Guidebook. Other goals include:
- Add and coordinate improvements to and along the greenway to enhance visitor experience.
- Improve quality open spaces along the greenway through partnership.
- Update interpretative themes for the greenway.
- Develop the greenway’s operational framework to inform future operational plans.
- Collect and explore “Big Ideas” to transform the Mississippi River Greenway into a vibrant year-round experience.
Dakota County’s request for proposals received six responses on February 21, 2025, which included firms with trail planning and design, community engagement and interpretation expertise (Attachment: Proposal Scoresheet).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends selection of HKGI for the Mississippi River Greenway Long Range Plan. The recommendation is based a strong proposal that communicates their experience with Dakota County and the communities along the river. HKGI has proven track record of developing greenway long-range plans for Dakota County that have been successfully implemented. The HKGI proposal was the lowest cost at $134,600.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The contract will be based on a not-to-exceed amount of $148,060 which includes a ten percent contingency. The Adopted 2025 Parks Capital Improvement Program Budget includes $150,000 for the planning effort.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, the Mississippi River Greenway: Long Range Plan was last updated in 1998; and
WHEREAS, an updated plan is needed to provide a contemporary vision for the Mississippi River Greenway and position future projects for external funding sources; and
WHEREAS, the new plan will meet Metropolitan Council requirements for regional destination trails; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County’s request for proposals received six responses; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends the selection of HKGI for the Mississippi River Greenway Long Range Plan; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Adopted Parks Capital Improvement Program Budget includes $150,000 for the planning effort.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Physical Development Director to execute a contract with HKGI to develop the 2025 Mississippi River Greenway Long-Range Plan in an amount not to exceed $148,060, including ten percent contingency, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Proposal Scoresheet
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Stwora
Author: John Mertens