You need to be signed in to add your comment.

5A. Award of Construction Contract for Luce Line Regional Trail Boardwalk Repair in Plymouth and Medicine Lake, MN

Superintendent's Recommendation:

MOTION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FOR THE LUCE LINE REGIONAL TRAIL BOARDWALK REPAIR IN PLYMOUTH AND MEDICINE LAKE TO ROSTI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OF MINNESOTA INC. IN THE TOTAL BASE BID AMOUNT OF $487,399.25; AND TO ESTABLISH A TOTAL CONSTRUCTION BUDGET OF $536,139.18 INCLUDING A TEN PERCENT CONTINGENCY, WITH FINANCING FROM THE 2020 AND 2024 ASSET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.

Prepared By: Blake Hansen, Project Manager

Background:

The Luce Line Regional Trail Boardwalk Repair project was approved as part of the 2024 Asset Management Program. The trail has two long boardwalks across wetlands immediately south of Medicine Lake in the cities of Medicine Lake and Plymouth. The project addresses deteriorating decking and includes ancillary repairs to extend the life of two boardwalks.

Bid Results:

Advertisement for bids for this project was placed in Finance and Commerce and QuestCDN. Construction documents were issued on October 13, 2025. Bids for this work were received on November 3, 2025. There were sixteen (16) contractor plan holders of which twelve (12) submitted bids.

The apparent low dollar bidder is Equity Builders and Construction Services, Inc. from Rosemount, Minnesota with a total base bid amount of $438,236.06. The second low bidder is Rosti Construction Company of Minnesota, Inc. from Jordan, Minnesota with a total base bid amount of $487,399.25. In determining the lowest responsible bidder, the Board may exercise reasonable discretion by considering the integrity, reliability, and financial responsibility required of a responsible bidder for public work. Based on findings of past negative experiences with a representative of Equity Builders and Construction Services, Inc., and at least three recent judgments against Equity Builders and Construction Services, Inc. and its representatives for nonpayment of consultants, Park District staff have determined that the bidder does not demonstrate the integrity, financial responsibility, and reliability needed for this project. The judgments indicate ongoing financial instability and concerns regarding the bidder's ability to perform contractual obligations in a timely and responsible manner.

As a result, staff recommends awarding the contract for this project to Rosti Construction Company of Minnesota, Inc. as the lowest responsible bidder. Park District staff and Stonebrooke Engineering, Inc. have confirmed that Rosti Construction Company of Minnesota Inc. has submitted the lowest responsible bid and has met the minimum contract requirements for this project.

The Engineer’s estimate of probable construction cost is $828,715.00. The construction contract is based upon unit prices and offers flexibility to increase and decrease quantities of work for pay items listed on the bid form. The final contract amount may be more or less than the original contract amount.

Construction Administration Services:

Stonebrooke Engineering, Inc. is under contract to provide construction administration services for the project. Design and construction administration services are funded from the overall project budget from the 2024 Asset Management Program.

Project Funding:

The project is funded with $500,000 of State Modernization Funds as identified in the 2024 Asset Management Program (AMP), with the balance funded through available 2020 AMP funds.

Proposed Schedule:

Construction is scheduled to commence no later than January 23, 2026, subject to receipt of the contractor’s proposed schedule and favorable weather conditions. The construction contract requires work to be substantially complete by April 17, 2026.

Impacts to Public Services:

In addition to the increased noise, debris, and temporary traffic delays typically associated with construction activity, impacts to public services will be as follows:

The trail segments will be closed during active construction activities. Trail users will be able to use local city trails to avoid closed trail segments.

Public Communications Approach:

The public communications plan, following board award of the construction contract, is as follows:

Signs notifying the public of construction and closures will be placed in strategic and highly visible locations prior to construction.
Three Rivers will include information and construction updates on the Park District’s website.

Relationship to the System Plan:

The Request for Action supports the following goal(s) of the System Plan:

Goal 1: You Belong Here

Goal 2: Parks Matter

Goal 3: Lead by Example

Attachments: