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Roseau awards fishing platform bid, advances pedestrian bridge and airport runway projects; arena contractor disputes continue
Summary
Council awarded the pedestrian bridge fishing platform bid to R&Q Trucking pending a DNR grant amendment, received a progress update on the Roseau River pedestrian bridge, learned that KGM Contractors was awarded a $3.17 million runway reconstruction contract at the airport, and reviewed ongoing issues and insurance/bonding actions connected to the Memorial Arena roof and ice‑plant replacement.
The Roseau City Council on March 2 awarded the fishing platform contract associated with the Roseau River pedestrian bridge to R&Q Trucking, Inc. for $111,871.90, contingent on a DNR grant amendment to cover the over‑budget amount. The council adopted Resolution 18‑26 to accept the R&Q bid.
CDC Todd Peterson reported that four grants totaling roughly $1.1 million had funded the pedestrian bridge base project and that bridge piers and abutments were in place; bridge delivery and installation were anticipated the week of March 23 with concrete walkways and decking to follow in June. Peterson added that the city has requested a Phase II grant amendment to fund lighting and a school trail connection that were removed from the base project due to cost overruns.
On the fishing platform bids, Peterson presented two bids: Northland Constructors of Duluth at $124,970.00 and R&Q Trucking, Inc. at $111,871.90. City staff said the DNR indicated willingness to amend the grant and cover the higher cost; council unanimously accepted R&Q’s bid pending the DNR amendment and adopted Resolution 18‑26 recording the acceptance.
The council also received a report that KGM Contractors was awarded a $3,173,095.80 contract to reconstruct Runway 16‑34 and the parallel taxiway at Roseau Airport; the project is expected to be 95% FAA funded, with 2.5% state and 2.5% local shares. A tentative summer schedule was presented with key reclaiming, regrading, paving and grooving dates from May through early August.
Council discussed the Memorial Arena roofing and ice plant replacement work and ongoing contractor issues. The city deemed the general contractor Equity Builders in default after alleged nonpayment to subcontractors, cancelled the contract, and engaged the contractor’s surety Old Republic and insurance carriers to resolve outstanding work and payment claims. The city is retaining $100,000 pending warranty and punch‑list completion. Peterson said the city received a $250,000 SHPO grant and $52,500 in insurance proceeds to assist the arena repairs and submitted a local sales tax request to the Minnesota Legislature as additional funding support.
Mayor Dan Fabian linked some project funding issues to pending MnDOT policy changes, noting the city’s prior objections to proposed cost allocations on state projects. Council approved awarding the fishing platform bid and instructed staff to proceed with the bridge schedule and preconstruction airport coordination.
The council also approved other project items in the status report including tree‑planting reimbursements, grant closeouts and ATV park improvements funded via a small GIA contract.
