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Legacy Lakes bid comes in higher than estimate; board discusses redesign to include SPARC center
Summary
The RWJPA heard that only one bid—about $20 million—arrived for Legacy Lakes, well above the engineer’s $16.6 million estimate. Board members discussed declining bids, potential redesign to include the SPARC center, and financing considerations including possible 2% state financing.
Board member Nathan Berseth told the Richland Wilkin JPA that the Legacy Lakes public works bid process produced only one bid, for roughly $20 million, while the engineer’s estimate was $16.6 million (or $18.5 million with contingencies).
Berseth said engineers and the bidder (KPH) would like the contract awarded but he does not believe the single bid is marketable. He said a recommendation to decline all bids is expected at the next public works meeting and that a redesign — potentially relocating the SPARC center to the north side of the development — could allow the project to be rebid this fall with lower costs.
Fred Strege cautioned the board about redesigning Legacy Lakes to incorporate the SPARC project if SPARC is not officially approved. Berseth added that bonding currently allows for a $16.5 million project and that the City is exploring 2% state financing; if the City secures that financing, the project could be larger (Berseth said it could reach $30 million based on sales-tax projections), which is the figure originally presented to taxpayers. Berseth also noted that NDSCS is no longer a viable site for the SPARC project, prompting a need to reevaluate siting and phasing.
The board bypassed a scheduled agenda item to review Legacy Lakes zoning drafts because bids came in high and the project is delayed; Strege urged continued review of zoning materials circulated to the board. No formal vote on Legacy Lakes design or financing occurred at the meeting; staff will bring recommendations to future public works or JPA meetings.
