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County pauses decision, seeks fuller analysis on Sawtooth Bluffs master plan RFP after commissioners raise outreach and cost concerns
Summary
Cook County staff presented a proposed RFP to update Sawtooth Bluffs planning and pursue regional designation; commissioners asked for more detail on public engagement, costs, and timelines and the item will return for a November decision.
County staff told the board Oct. 21 they plan to issue a request for proposals to complete remaining work on the Sawtooth Bluffs master plan and to seek regional designation that would open additional grant funding, but commissioners raised questions about public outreach, local impacts and timing before any commitment.
Tim (Land Services staff) said the RFP was intended to cost the county nothing and would produce consultant proposals that detail the work needed to reach regional designation, including public engagement and cost estimates. He told the committee the goal is to return to the full board with proposals and a fuller factual record to support a later decision.
Several commissioners said the process must center local residents’ views and clearly address how any new amenities would be maintained and funded. Commissioner Gamble said the first question should be “what do the local citizens want,” and urged a representative survey and public engagement before increasing project momentum. Gamble also warned against allowing “special interest” or loud voices to drive outcomes without broader input.
Commissioner Mills, who has worked with the Parks & Trails Commission on the plan, said the commission’s focus is on amenities for local users rather than large tourism development and that public engagement and modest trail proposals had been the historical direction. Several commissioners noted an informal survey circulated earlier was not designed to be a representative countywide poll and should not replace a formal engagement plan.
Staff said the consultant proposals would include cost estimates for public engagement and for the operational and maintenance costs needed for regional designation; Greater Minnesota Parks & Trails staff indicated the county may lose access to some legacy funding opportunities if the county does not move forward before the Greater Minnesota review later in the year.
Commissioners asked staff to return with RFP responses and more detail; the county expected to present a formal RFP decision at the November board meeting with the aim of completing a fuller evaluation and discussion by December. No formal action or vote was taken at the committee session.
