County awards $1.84 million design contract for Woodbury public‑works south shop; yard‑waste role remains undecided

The Washington County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 26 approved contract number 17628, a $1,838,755 architectural and engineering services agreement with RSP Architects to design a new Public Works South Shop and related Environmental Center campus in Woodbury.

Senior Building Services Project Manager Dan Lawrence told the board the site is immediately south of the intersection of Cottage Grove Drive and Bailey Road and adjacent to the existing Washington County South Environmental Center and Public Works campus. Lawrence said the county received 13 proposals after a June 2 request for proposals, shortlisted four firms for interviews, and selected RSP based on experience and team qualifications. He said staff expects a roughly 12‑month design schedule, bidding in 2026, construction starting in early 2027 and occupancy in 2028.

The board-approved contract covers design services; Lawrence said prior planning work from 2022 and earlier concept study costs of just over $91,000 are included in the project design expense total. County staff presented an overall project cost estimate of $35,100,000, composed of a proposed $8 million bond sale (2027), $1 million in savings from the recently completed central service and license center, and $26.1 million of county transportation sales‑tax revenue. Lawrence said the new contract fits within the proposed overall budget and leaves a substantial remaining balance for later phases.

The vote followed an extended exchange over whether the site will include a county‑operated yard‑waste transfer facility serving the southern county. Commissioner Claussen said she had been telling constituents a south‑side yard‑waste site would be provided and pressed staff to confirm the location and timing. County Administrator Kevin Corbett told the board: "The board direction has been for staff to plan for a potential yard waste site on the South Shop campus." He added, however, that no board direction has been given to fund, build or open a yard‑waste operation because two private companies currently serve the area.

Several commissioners urged staff to preserve space and consider phasing or timing to replace private operators if needed. Commissioner Bigham moved to approve the contract; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Maron and passed on a 5‑0 roll call.

Action recorded: motion to approve contract number 17628 with RSP Architects in the amount of $1,838,755 for architectural design and engineering services for the Public Works South Shop project. Mover: Commissioner Bigham. Second: Commissioner Maron. Vote: 5 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved.

Why it matters: the South Shop is intended to serve equipment and staff in the county’s fastest‑growing southern communities and is tied to a long‑range campus plan for the county’s South Environmental Center. The same site could allow the county to provide a publicly operated yard‑waste transfer location should the board later direct construction and operation; staff said the current action secures design work and preserves the option but does not commit bond or construction funds specifically to opening a yard‑waste facility.

The board directed staff to continue stakeholder engagement with the city of Woodbury and local businesses that currently provide yard‑waste services and to return with details on site layout, timeline and funding as design and CIP planning proceed.