La Center council approves HHPR design contract for La Center Road roundabout

La Center —— The La Center City Council voted Dec. 18 to authorize a professional services agreement with HHPR Incorporated to design a roundabout at the intersection of La Center Road and Paradise Park Road, approving a contract not to exceed $545,659.86.

City transportation staff presented the project—s background, tracing it to an intergovernmental agreement tied to a nearby casino development. Tony Cooper, the staff presenter, said the recent tribe-city agreement includes design funding: "it would fund up to $650,000 for the design of the roundabout," and the tribe—s IGA provides for 50% reimbursement of design costs when the design reaches 90% completion. Cooper told the council the HHPR proposal would finish 90% of the design in November and that "the cost of the design is just over $545,659."

Council members asked about HHPR—s local experience and project location; Cooper said HHPR is based in Vancouver and has previously designed the Fourth Street roundabout and local shared-use path work. Staff and another council member estimated current construction costs for a roundabout in the $3 million to $5 million range.

A council member moved and another seconded a motion to authorize the design contract with HHPR not to exceed $545,659.86; the council then approved the motion by voice vote. The contract approval authorizes staff to complete the design phase and pursue construction funding, including potential funding through tribal partnerships and other grants referenced by staff.

The council did not provide a roll-call tally for the design contract vote; the motion passed on a recorded voice vote during the meeting. The next steps identified by staff were to finalize design costs, pursue construction funding, and return to the council with updates as available.