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Isanti County hires Ortel Architects to design new highway facility after debate over cost, scope
Summary
The Isanti County Board voted 4–1 to hire Ortel Architects for $1,137,678.25 to design a replacement highway facility, advancing the project into schematic design amid concerns from one commissioner about scope, indoor storage and contract exposure; legal counsel described termination and suspension terms in the AIA agreement.
The Isanti County Board voted 4–1 to hire Ortel Architects for architectural and engineering services to design a new county highway facility, approving the contract amount of $1,137,678.25 and moving the project from planning into schematic design.
The decision follows a recommendation from the county’s highway facility exploration committee, which reviewed six proposals and recommended Ortel — a St. Paul firm whose fee came in significantly lower than competing bids and under the county’s CIP line for the project. County Highway Engineer Justin Bergerson told the board the committee vetted Ortel’s team, schedule and subcontractors and was comfortable with the firm’s ability to deliver the work.
"Ortel is based in Saint Paul. They focus in public works," Bergerson said. "They specialize in this type of work. Their portfolio has a lot of similar projects, and the committee was comfortable with their proposal and fee." (Justin Bergerson, County Highway Engineer)
Why it matters: the county…
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