Council authorizes request for proposals re: regional treatment center engineering work

The Fergus Falls City Council authorized staff to reengage Stantec to produce updated costs and a menu of engineering options for a regional treatment center building, using remaining state grant funds. Councilmembers asked that the forthcoming scopes and budgets be transparent and that staff clarify whether local contractors would be able to bid on remediation or renovation work.

City staff said Stantec previously studied the building and is the quickest path to updated numbers; the council authorized soliciting a proposal for an a‑la‑carte scope so members can weigh options for remediation, ventilation, mold abatement, barrier removal and other code work. One councilmember cited preliminary figures mentioned in the discussion — a small initial engineering estimate and a larger construction estimate — and asked that staff provide detail on how remaining grant funds would be allocated if the work moves forward.

Why it matters: The scope and use of remaining state grant funds will determine whether the building can be brought up to code and repurposed as a regional treatment resource. Council authorization to pursue an engineering proposal does not commit funds beyond the request; it directs staff to obtain more detailed cost estimates and options for council review.

Next steps: Stantec will be asked for an updated scope and cost estimate; staff will return to council with options and the projected use of remaining grant funds. Councilmembers indicated they expect to consider competitive local bidding for construction if the city proceeds to make repairs.