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County engineer says Crow Wing projects not implicated in materials-testing probe; board backs contractors
Summary
County Engineer Tim Bray told commissioners a newspaper investigation did not include Crow Wing County projects and described the county's testing and incentive practices; commissioners expressed confidence in Anderson Brothers and approved the consent agenda that included contracts with the firm.
County Engineer Tim Bray told the Crow Wing County Board that an outside newspaper investigation about construction materials testing did not involve the county’s projects or staff. He described the county’s contractor testing practices, independent verification, and incentive/disincentive provisions used to ensure quality.
“Since 2017, the net incentive that was paid to Anderson Brothers was 1,300,000,” Bray said, noting incentives and disincentives reflect performance over an eight-year span. Bray said county and MnDOT testing, independent sampling, ride-quality checks and density measurements provide checks and balances; in rare cases the county can require a contractor to remove and replace work if it is out of tolerance. Commissioners raised constituents’ concerns after a news article; several expressed support for Anderson Brothers while asking staff to confirm oversight procedures.
The board approved the consent agenda, which included contracts to Anderson Brothers, after the county engineer explained testing and documentation procedures. Commissioners asked staff to ensure townships and other partners are kept informed about standards and oversight.
