Item Description:
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Approve Schematic Design, authorize actions, award contracts, accept gift of accessible ramp and lift, and neg Agmt A2512963 with Wheelchairs and Walleyes for installation of donated ramp and lift for the Lake Minnetonka North Arm Public Access project (CP 1010122)
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the following actions be approved for the Lake Minnetonka North Arm Public Access redesign project (Project Number 1010122):
• Approval of Schematic Design (SD);
• Authorization to proceed with project Design Development (DD) through Construction Administration (CA);
• Authorization to advertise and receive proposals;
• Authorization to proceed with a single contract to include general, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing construction;
• Authorization to use contracted service vendors and commodity contracts as necessary for portions of the work, furnishings, and equipment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to award contracts to the contractors offering best value if the proposals are within the approved project budget; that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the contracts on behalf of the County after the performance and payment bonds have been properly executed; and that the Controller be authorized to disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 465.03 and on behalf of the Environment and Energy Department, Hennepin County accepts the gift of an accessible ramp and lift with a retail value of $150,000 from the non-profit organization Wheelchairs and Walleyes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Administrator be authorized to negotiate Agreement A2512963 with Wheelchairs and Walleyes for installation of the donated ramp and lift at no cost to the County; that following review and approval by the County Attorney's Office, the County Administrator be authorized to sign the agreement on behalf of the County; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Board expresses its appreciation to Wheelchairs and Walleyes for this generous gift to Hennepin County.
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Background:
The North Arm Public Access on Lake Minnetonka is one of two public lake accesses owned and operated under the county’s Lake Improvement Program (Resolution 78-5-93). Capital Project 1010122 will address the deteriorating infrastructure conditions and changing recreational uses at North Arm Public Access, located at 3700 North Shore Drive in the city of Orono.
This project addresses repairs needed to preserve the long-term integrity and function of this popular public water access. The improvements focus on safety, accessibility, water quality, and connectivity to Lake Minnetonka. Key design elements are based on engagement with access users and area residents.
Improvements include:
• A redesigned parking lot and boat ramp with safety and accessibility enhancements
• One of the only Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible ramps in the metro area
• Safer access for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
• Enhanced shore fishing access and experience
• Climate and resiliency features such as onsite stormwater infiltration, natural shoreline restoration, climate resilient tree species, and replacement of turf grass with pollinator-friendly native plants
Included in the project scope is a partnership with the non-profit Wheelchairs and Walleyes to include a wheelchair accessible ramp and lift at the access. The ramp and lift allow boaters with accessibility challenges to safely access their watercraft. This, along with other ADA improvements on-site, is anticipated to make North Arm the most accessible public access in Minnesota. The ramp and lift will be donated by the non-profit and installed as part of project construction. The county will own, operate, and manage the ramp and lift following donation and installation.
The project was approved as part of the 2025 and 2026 Capital Budgets. Additionally, the Administrator Proposed 2027 Capital Budget recognizes an $850,000 Department of Natural Resources grant for the project, which will reduce general obligation bond funding by the same amount. The Schematic Design Executive Summary Report has been distributed to the County Board, and a copy is on file with the Clerk to the County Board.
Current Request: This request seeks approval of Schematic Design for the Lake Minnetonka North Arm Public Access redesign project, approval of DD through CA and authorizes the County Administrator to award a contract to the contractor offering the best value if the proposals are within the approved budget.
Additionally, this request seeks to accept the gift of an accessible ramp and lift, with an approximate value of $150,000, and seeks authorization to negotiate Agreement A2512963 with Wheelchairs and Walleyes for installation of the donated ramp and lift at no cost to the County.
Impact/Outcomes: This action addresses needed repairs and safety issues at this popular public access on Lake Minnetonka. This action advances Hennepin County’s climate goals by restoring natural aspects of the site and using green infrastructure to manage stormwater, while supporting disparity elimination goals by increasing the usability of the access for many different types of users, including those with accessibility needs and those using the shore fishing area for subsistence fishing.
This request funds services that are: N/A - no cost
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval