Committee delays final language but approves design funding plan for potential new highway facility

The Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee postponed final action on a resolution that would earmark up to $30 million of highway reserve funds for a potential new highway facility, asking Corp. Counsel to reword the resolution to reflect use of “authorized to use up to” or “intent to authorize” rather than the accounting term “commit.” At the same meeting the committee advanced the companion item that would authorize expenditure for phase 1 schematic design services, subject to clarifying language in the fiscal note and whereas clauses. Deputy Administrator Coleman and Administrator Leonard said the schematic design phase is necessary to obtain site-plan approval and that an RFP produced a low bid of $29,500 for architectural services; the county is requesting authorization for up to $75,000 to cover the architect plus geotechnical borings, asbestos testing and other site work. Nut graf: The two-resolution approach separates (1) recognition of an intended funding source in the highway reserve and (2) authorization to spend limited funds on early design work; committee members sought scrivener changes so the resolutions would not be misread as a blanket authorization to spend the full reserve without future approvals. Staff explained that marking the reserve as a project funding source simplifies accounting for ongoing planning and design work rather than piecemealing expenses through other department budgets. Administrator Leonard and Chris (Deputy Administrator Coleman) emphasized that each major phase of the project would return to the committee and County Board for further authorization before additional spending. Deputy Administrator Coleman described the procurement work completed to date: an RFP for schematic design returned a primary proposal of $29,500; the $75,000 authorization accounts for additional testing and consultant costs. Coleman also noted an RFP is out for a construction manager-at-risk, which would provide more refined cost estimates and supply-chain insights as the project progresses. Committee discussion focused on wording: Finance Director Sam and Corp. Counsel (Mike) recommended replacing “commit” with language more appropriate for a proprietary fund (“authorizing the use of unrestricted reserve funds” or “demonstrate intent to authorize up to $30,000,000”), and members agreed to have counsel revise and bring both resolutions back to committees on Sept. 18 for County Board consideration. Decision/direction: The committee postponed final action on the reserve earmark to allow Corporation Counsel to revise language and directed staff to return both resolutions with clarified fiscal notes and wording; the committee indicated support for approving the schematic-design funding after those clarifications. Ending: Staff said they will return revised documents to both committees on the Sept. 18 agenda for County Board action, and that future phases would require separate committee and board approvals.