Public Works committee approves low-cost study for a new highway facility

Commissioners reviewed proposals from four consultants to provide design concept and cost estimates for possible new highway facilities in Radisson, Winter and Hayward. The RFP responses listed SEH (~$33,250), Barrientos (~$63,000), Cedar (~$27,000) and "CUNY" (~$6,800). The low-priced respondent's name appears inconsistently in the record (shown in one motion as "Quni Architects"); the committee approved proceeding with the consultant identified at approximately $6,800.

The highway commissioner said the study phase would only provide concepts and cost estimates and would not commit the county to construction: "It doesn't lock the county into that," he said, describing the work as a broad assessment to determine which site and facility configuration makes the most sense. A motion to proceed with the low-cost respondent was made and seconded; the committee voted in favor and the motion carried.

Committee members noted the county's aging facilities and the high replacement cost of equipment (commissioner noted "$450,000 plow trucks" as part of the rationale for indoor storage). Staff said the RFP phase will identify necessary building sizes and options for keeping or replacing existing buildings.