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Public works reports single bid for Kennedy walking bridge and outlines $10–$15K plan to reopen trailhead restrooms
Summary
Public works staff said the county received one bid for the DD Kennedy walking bridge that exceeded the original set‑aside, and proposed a modest repair package and security cameras to reopen the Cattail Trailhead restrooms.
Polk County public works staff reported a single bid for the DD Kennedy walking bridge and recommended repairing a closed Cattail Trailhead restroom at an estimated cost of $10,000 to $15,000.
Public works said the county had set aside $250,000 for the DD Kennedy bridge when the project was first proposed in 2019; the county received one bid of $488,000 from Larson Construction. Staff told the committee that engineers solicited multiple contractors but received only that bid.
On the Cattail Trailhead restrooms, public works staff said vandalism was a recurring problem and recommended renovating the existing block building rather than leaving it permanently closed. Staff estimated repairs—including new toilets and sinks, ceiling and floor work, ventilation and paint—at about $10,000–$15,000 and said the work would be grant‑eligible under the county’s ATV maintenance funds administered by the DNR. Staff proposed installing exterior security cameras as a deterrent to vandalism and said the structure itself is sound.
Committee discussion and context Supervisors asked whether the restrooms could be left closed given two newer restrooms nearby; staff said ATV clubs and some council members still want a facility at the trailhead. Volunteers and ATV clubs discussed the possibility of a community workday for painting and light repairs; staff said volunteer work could supplement county repairs but did not replace the need for capital work to meet accessibility standards.
Public works also reported broader highway updates: Request for qualifications for County Road E and County Road T STP projects are due to Highway April 17, County Road T construction is tentatively scheduled for 2027 and County Road E for 2028, and spring storms have increased right‑of‑way clearing work. Paving and materials RFPs were due April 10.
What’s next Staff said the bridge procurement and proposal for restroom repairs will proceed according to procurement rules; if additional bids are needed staff indicated they would rebid or continue outreach. The restroom repair plan may be supplemented by volunteer efforts, and potential contributions from the city council will require council approval.
