DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Agreement With Xcel Energy Inc. For Relocation Of Transmission Pole Utilities Along Harry Avenue In Lake Byllesby Park Reserve, County Project 2000458
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize execution of a relocation agreement with Xcel Energy for relocation of an Xcel Energy owned transmission pole’s stub pole, span guys, and down guy wires to accommodate the realignment of Harry Avenue.
SUMMARY
Dakota County is proceeding with the Harry Avenue and Mills Town State Trail realignment project to decrease the slope of the shared-use trail and create a safer crossing between the trail and the roadway. It will additionally add a concrete pad for interpretation adjacent to the trail. Current conditions of the trail and road require trail users to make three road crossings in one location at the bottom of a steep slope (Attachment: Harry Ave & Mills Town Site Map). In 2024, Dakota County Transportation staff identified a preferred alignment of both the road and the trail that meets the ADA accessible guidelines for a trail grade of five percent or less and meets the goals of reducing the number of trail and road conflict points (Attachment: Harry Ave & Mills Town Proposed Alignment). In May 2025, Dakota County entered a contract with Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for final design services for the preferred alignments.
There is an Xcel Energy transmission pole located between the existing trail and road, with its complementary guywires located northeast of the pole and trail. To accommodate the space necessary to realign Harry Avenue, Xcel Energy will have to relocate the guywires and their pertinent complementary infrastructure.
To proceed with the guy wire relocation, Xcel Energy requested that Dakota County enter into an agreement for reimbursement and relocation. The Xcel Energy relocation agreement provides for down payment of contractual obligations before commencing the work.
Xcel Energy estimates the cost of relocating its facilities, including engineering, materials, and construction, is up to $139,688 including contingency. A downpayment of $28,863 is required upon execution of a contract. Actual costs will be determined at the completion of construction (Attachment: Xcel Scoping Estimate).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the execution of a reimbursement agreement in an amount not to exceed $139,688 with Xcel Energy for relocation of pertinent transmission pole and guywire structures to accommodate the realignment of Harry Avenue in Lake Byllesby Park Reserve.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2025 Park Capital Improvement includes a total project budget of $200,000. There is sufficient budget for this proposed contract.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, to provide a safe and efficient parks and greenways system, Dakota County is proceeding with the Harry Avenue and Mills Town State Trail Realignment Project (2000458); and
WHEREAS, County Project 2000458 will entail the realignment of about 240 feet of the Mills Town State Trail, about 220 feet of Harry Avenue, and the paving of a concrete pad for interpretation in Lake Byllesby Park Reserve; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County is the lead agency for the Project; and
WHEREAS, Xcel Energy Inc. owns a transmission pole adjacent to the road and trail; and
WHEREAS, County Project 2000458’s alignment was selected to improve safety for park and trail visitors in Lake Byllesby Park Reserve and the Mills Town State Trail; and
WHEREAS, Dakota County and Xcel Energy Inc. have reviewed the proposed alignments to assess the County Project’s impact on Xcel Energy Inc.’s facilities; and
WHEREAS, Xcel Energy Inc. has completed its review and requires a new stub pole, span guys, and new and relocated down guywires; and
WHEREAS, Xcel Energy Inc. estimates the cost to complete their proposed work is $139,688, with the County to pay 100 percent of the costs; and
WHEREAS, to proceed with Xcel Energy Inc.’s proposed work, Dakota County must enter a relocation agreement with Xcel Energy Inc. and pay a down payment of $28,863; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends execution of a relocation agreement with Xcel Energy Inc. for the estimated County cost amount of $139,688.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Parks Director to execute a relocation agreement with Xcel Energy Inc. for the necessary work on Xcel Energy Inc.’s facilities for County Project 2000458 in the amount of the actual costs currently estimated at $139,688, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Harry Ave & Mills Town Site Map
Attachment: Harry Ave & Mills Town Proposed Alignment
Attachment: Xcel Scoping Estimate
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: Michael Honer