Board approves just-over $2.3 million contract to expand medical unit at county adult detention center

The Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved an immediate-approval contract award to Donler Construction for the City Hall adult detention center medical unit expansion, a project described by county staff as a renovation that will add two rooms and double the jail’s onsite capacity for medical care.

David Huff, speaking to procurement practice, told the board the contract was awarded under the county’s purchasing rules and a best-value request-for-proposals process. Margo Geffen, the county’s chief facilities officer, explained the project will renovate existing clinical space and add lower-acuity care rooms on the first floor; the current clinical area is on the fourth floor.

“Currently, all residents booked into the ADC are seen by Hennepin healthcare providers in a very small space on the Fourth Floor,” Geffen said. “This project renovates that space. In addition to adding space on the First Floor, 2 more rooms, doubling the capacity for care at the jail. At the same time, this project creates a better space for visitors who are coming to visit their loved ones in the ADC.”

Commissioner Conley asked whether the expanded medical space would serve civilly committed individuals; Geffen said the first-floor area is intended for lower-acuity care and that patients needing hospital-level care would be transported offsite. Commissioner Connolly asked about minority- and women-owned-business (NBE/WBE) contracting goals; county staff said purchasing would set goals based on market availability and that workforce goals from the state apply.

The board voted to approve the contract. The contract amount was described in the record as “just over $2,300,000.” The county said the project was included in the 2023 capital improvement program and that purchasing is identifying contracting and workforce goals for the work.