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Forest Lake council approves $21,900 proposal to update utility and street construction specifications
Summary
Council approved a Bolton & Menk proposal not to exceed $21,900 to create updated city standard specifications for utility and street construction; staff proposed splitting the cost across five city funds to reflect shared benefits.
The Forest Lake City Council approved a proposal from Bolton & Menk to update the city’s standard specifications for utility and street construction at a cost not to exceed $21,900.
Staff explained the city code allows qualified outside engineers to prepare development plans but that inconsistent specifications can lead to duplicate work and delays. The proposed specification manual would standardize technical requirements for items such as pavement, signage, traffic control and stormwater, reducing review time and helping developers and city reviewers work from a single reference.
City Engineer Ryan Goodman (presenting in the meeting packet) and staff said the work would save time for developers and reduce staff review burdens. Staff recommended the $21,900 consultant fee be split across the community development general fund, the street fund, and each utility fund so the cost is shared among five funds.
Council members asked about using city staff for plan reviews; staff said consultants will still likely be needed for complex stormwater and pavement design work. The council moved, seconded and approved the Bolton & Menk proposal on a voice vote.
Staff said the standard specifications could be updated over time and referenced by future development projects to improve consistency and field performance.
