Council approves $113,500 AE2S task order for Tri Valley Building demolition engineering

Crookston City Council approved Resolution 8.01 to engage Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services (AE2S) for engineering work tied to the planned demolition of the Tri Valley Building.

Staff member Darren presented the task order and described the work phases — study and report, preliminary and final design, bidding and proposal, construction phase, and post-construction services — saying, "anticipated engineering fees total $113,500." Darren said the project will ultimately be funded through a bond and that the city will cover the engineering fees from general-fund reserves until bond proceeds are available.

Several council members asked whether a structural engineering inspection or a more detailed condition assessment should be completed before committing to demolition. One council member said they were "questioning not having structural engineers take a look at that building first," and staff noted earlier discussion at the Ways and Means meeting supported moving forward with demolition planning.

A motion to approve the resolution was moved and seconded; roll call was taken and the motion "carries." The resolution authorizes AE2S to proceed under the stated scope and fee arrangement, and staff may return with additional details as demolition planning proceeds.

Why it matters: The task order commits the city to about $113,500 in engineering work that will shape demolition specifications, bidding, and eventual construction. Council members emphasized safety and the value of site assessments before irreversible demolition work.