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County advances road work: consultant qualifications accepted, DLZ as-needed agreement approved, Fillmore Road project closed
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Summary
The board accepted qualifications submissions for Pierce Road reconstruction and a Douglas/Bittersweet roundabout, approved a $200,000 as-needed preliminary engineering agreement with DLZ, and signed off on the Fillmore Road project completion affidavit. Multiple routine approvals also passed 2-0.
St. Joseph County commissioners on Feb. 10 moved several road and engineering items forward, accepting consultant qualifications for two federally funded projects, approving an as-needed engineering agreement with DLZ not to exceed $200,000, and approving a project completion affidavit for Fillmore Road improvements.
Staff said the Pierce Road reconstruction (DES 1702832) from U.S. 31 to Juniper and the proposed roundabout at Douglas and Bittersweet Roads are federal-aid projects for which consultants submitted qualifications. Submitting firms included DLZ, Lochmiller Group, American StructurePoint, United Consulting and Troyer Group for Pierce Road; and DLZ, Lawson Fisher Associates, Lochmiller Group, StructurePoint, United Consulting and Troyer Group for the roundabout. Staff explained these are qualifications-based selections under NDOT procedures and that fees will be negotiated after a consultant is selected.
The board also approved an as-needed preliminary engineering agreement with DLZ, described by staff as a standing tool to prepare task lists and respond to urgent project needs. "It's in the amount of $200,000 not to exceed," staff said. The agreement, used previously by the county, allows staff to request task-specific fee estimates and proceed quickly on time-sensitive work.
Separately, staff recommended approval of the project completion affidavit for Fillmore Road improvements (from Larrison Boulevard to the Nesperdani Ditch) as the final paperwork that triggers warranties and bonds. The board approved the affidavit and the other road-related items; votes recorded two 'Aye' votes by Commissioners Hazen and Maxmeier (motion passed 2-0).
Also on the consent-style portion of the agenda, the board approved the accounts payable docket and accepted a settlement agreement between Donna Hurley and the county. Staff said they will return with consultant selections and negotiated fees when those items are ready for formal contract awards.
