DEPARTMENT: Parks
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Execute Contract With Damon Farber Associates Inc. For Greenway Systems Plan
end
PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a contract with Damon Farber Associates Inc. for the Greenways Systems Plan.
SUMMARY
In 2010 Dakota County adopted the Greenways Guidebook as a tool for planning and collaborating with city partners. As Dakota County Greenways have evolved, including the addition of Greenways specific project management team, projects have become more complex, stakeholders have increased, and more projects are being delivered. Because of this, a refresh of the 2010 document to a more comprehensive system plan is needed. Goals include, but are not limited to:
* Establish codified cost sharing policies for Greenway Collaborative projects.
* Establish operational goals and policies and create a more seamless transition from greenway development to operational greenway. This includes natural resource implementation, maintenance, and programming.
* Update the defining elements of a Greenway to include public art and interpretation.
* Develop conceptual design standards to facilitate the delivery of projects with consultants and city stakeholders.
Dakota County's request for proposal received four responses on January 12, 2026, which includes firms with trail planning and design, community engagement, and design guidebook expertise (Attachment: Proposal Scoresheet).
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends selection of Damon Farber Associates Inc. for the Greenway Systems Plan. The recommendation is based on a strong proposal and consultant interview that communicates their experience with delivering system level plans, specifically on multi-use trails and parks. Damon Farber and their staff also have a track record with working on Dakota County parks and greenways and with Dakota County city partners. Their proposal and interview indicated that they would be the best ...
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