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Commissioners accept single bid for courthouse electrical upgrade; funding source to be identified
Summary
The board voted to accept a recommendation to award a bid for replacement of the courthouse main power distribution gear. The accepted bid was the sole bid and commissioners directed staff to identify funding and manage scheduling around courthouse operations.
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners voted to accept a letter of recommendation to award a contract for the courthouse electrical upgrade, which replaces the main power distribution gear and ties new gear into the existing system in phases.
Jason (county facilities/engineer presenter) summarized the bid process: the county received a single bid from a local contractor, Bergstrom Electric (the recommendation came from Prairie Engineering), and the bid amount discussed in the meeting included a figure the presenter described as approximately $228,050 for materials plus additional labor costs. Jason said the work is expected to proceed in stages so courthouse operations are not interrupted and estimated the full installation could be completed by late fall or early winter, though some components could have longer lead times.
Commissioners and staff discussed budgeting: the work was not included in the current year’s approved budget and staff (Candy and Lisa) said they would review county finances to identify how to fund the project when the bill comes due. The board asked staff to verify timeline details, shop‑drawing review steps with the engineer, and the contractor’s availability; staff noted the contractor’s vacation status could affect timing but that shop‑drawing and engineer review (two to three weeks) normally precede ordering.
Commissioner Frith made a motion to accept the letter of recommendation from Prairie Engineering; Commissioner Volk seconded. After brief discussion about prior wiring problems and the need to eliminate ‘‘spider‑web’’ wiring, the board approved the motion by voice vote with the chair calling the motion carried.
The county will proceed with the procurement and shop‑drawing/engineering review and return to commissioners with the funding plan and schedule. Staff emphasized that the contractor (a local bidder) had indicated willingness to coordinate around court schedules and to limit weekend outage impacts when possible.
