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Forest Lake authorizes engineering services for 2026 local road program
Summary
Council authorized engineering services and preliminary plans/ specifications for the 2026 local road improvement project, budgeted at $1.845 million. Staff said the capital fund structure allows flexibility to add scope if bids come in below estimates and noted statutory 25% change-order allowance.
The Forest Lake City Council on Monday authorized a proposal for engineering services to support the 2026 local road improvement program and approved secondary authorization to prepare plans and specifications.
Engineering staff presented an 11-task scope covering existing infrastructure evaluation, final design, watershed permitting, public outreach, bidding and contract administration, construction observation and project closeout. The project budget cited in the staff memo is $1,845,000, drawing on several capital funds and a carryover from the North Shore Trail/Hayward Avenue change order. The anticipated schedule calls for plan authorization in February and a bid opening targeted for March 5, with a possible award before council on March 23.
Council discussed the possibility of adding additional road segments if bids come in favorably and the flexibility a capital fund provides to smooth spending across years. Staff noted state statute allows a 25% change-order increase in scope during construction, which could be used to add work without returning to council for a new authorization. Staff also cautioned that other projects such as Eureka Avenue may require local funding, which affects available capacity.
Council moved to approve the engineering-services proposal as presented; motion carried by voice vote.
