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Commission authorizes design contract with YHR and advertisement for Public Works expansion bids
Summary
The commission approved moving forward with YHR for continued design of a Public Works and sanitation expansion project and authorized advertising for bids; estimated total project concepts ranged $15–$20 million with more refined costs to come after bidding.
The West Fargo City Commission voted March 3 to approve a contract with YHR Partners for continued design work on a proposed Public Works and sanitation expansion and to authorize advertisement for construction bids.
Why it matters: City staff described a multi‑building project intended to provide 15–20 years of storage and shop space for Public Works operations, including a roughly 15,000‑square‑foot expansion of an existing heated storage building, an expansion and interior remodel of the public works building, and added space at the sanitation yard. Preliminary estimates for the larger footprint options ranged from roughly $15 million to $20 million. The commission approved moving to final design and bid advertisement; final cost will be determined when bids are returned.
Matt Ambick, West Fargo director of public works, said YHR produced several layout options and that staff was leaning toward a compacted Option C to meet long‑term needs without repeated near‑term expansions. Ambick said the base contract for design work included $25,000 for preliminary design and that the full design fee will be calculated as a percentage of the total project once bids determine the project cost.
Ambick told commissioners the city has the capacity to finance the project using a combination of State Revolving Funds (SRF), Bank of North Dakota loans, and local revenue; staff and the finance director presented financing options but did not request a specific borrowing authorization at this meeting. Ambick and Mark Lundberg of YHR were available to answer technical design questions.
The motion to approve the contract with YHR and authorize advertising for bids passed by voice vote recorded as "aye." Ambick and staff noted the city could advertise the project in multiple bid packages, allowing the simplest building to be constructed first to provide interim storage while larger remodels occur.
Next steps: YHR will continue final design and the city will advertise for bids. The commission will review final bids and return to the commission for contract award and appropriation before construction begins.
