Dakota Dunes CID approves site, construction manager and tree-removal contract for new maintenance facility

The Dakota Dunes Community Improvement District Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 on May 19 to locate a new CID Maintenance Operations Facility near the E Pinehurst (Maintenance Building Access) and Water Plant Access Road intersection and to contract with L&L Builders as construction manager at risk.

Resident Beth Noel said she was grateful the board considered a site near E Pinehurst but urged caution because "many residents value the natural area habitat for animals and trees" and asked the board to explain how the site became the focus of consideration. Sabrina Sayler, representing Dan Patee, raised concerns that the parcel was believed to be restricted for use as a nature area; the board responded that there is no legal restriction on CID use of the parcel and noted ongoing negotiations with the Dakota Dunes Country Club had ended. Shennen Saltzman raised questions about traffic flow related to the tree pile.

Following public input and board discussion, Mr. Shorma moved and Ms. Shanafelt seconded to approve the location as proposed; the motion passed 5-0. The board then approved a construction-manager-at-risk contract with L&L Builders (motion by Mr. Shorma, second Mr. Wetz; passed 5-0) to manage design and construction of the facility. The board also authorized a Bill's Tree Service agreement for tree removal tied to the project, not to exceed $65,000 (motion by Mr. Wetz, second Ms. Finzen; passed 5-0).

The board did not set a public hearing date for final construction plans during the meeting; residents requested further communication with the Spanish Bay Homeowners Association about future development in the area. The next procedural steps identified were contract execution and coordination between the CID, L&L Builders and the Dakota Dunes Country Club regarding the site acquisition and construction schedule.