Forest Lake City Council authorized engineering services and the preparation of plans and specifications for the city’s 2026 local street improvement program, staff said.

Ryan, engineering staff, told council that the proposal includes 11 tasks covering existing infrastructure evaluation, final design, watershed permitting, public outreach, contract administration and construction observation, surveying, environmental permitting support and materials testing allowance. The project budget cited in the meeting packet was $1,845,000; staff said funds included carryover amounts from prior projects and various city funds. Ryan said the anticipated schedule would target plan completion in February, a bid opening on March 5 and a possible contract award at the March 23 council meeting.

Councilmembers discussed options to add additional work if bids come in favorably and staff explained the capital fund cash‑flow approach that allows flexibility year to year. Staff also noted state statute provisions that permit change orders up to 25% of the contract scope so the city can add scope at award time if needed. The council moved, seconded and approved the engineering proposal and authorization to prepare plans and specifications by voice vote.

Details not specified in the meeting record: exact list of streets to be included in the final bid package at the time of award, and the mileage represented by the program.