Item Description:
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Responsible Contractor Policy - offered by Commissioner Conley
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Resolution:
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners directs the County Administrator to: (1) draft a Responsible Contractor Policy for maintenance contract solicitations; (2) meet with relevant stakeholders to discuss policy elements; (3) present a recommended Responsible Contractor Policy to the Board by March 31, 2026.
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Background:
Hennepin County is a leader in ensuring contractors pay prevailing wage. In 1997, pursuant to Resolution 97-7-442, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution that expanded Hennepin County’s prevailing wage policy beyond labor or service related to construction to include any labor or service related to maintenance, which includes janitorial and security services. This policy requires county contractors for these services to pay their employees a prevailing wage. In 2014, the Minnesota Legislature adopted a responsible contractor law (Minn. Stat. sec. 16C.285) that applies to state and local government construction contracts in excess of $50,000.
This resolution seeks to expand Hennepin County’s obligations beyond prevailing wage requirements through the creation of a Responsible Contractor Policy. This policy will serve as a guiding framework for future labor or service- related maintenance contract solicitations. This policy will make certain that Hennepin County contracts with responsible contractors that have a track record of providing reliable, high-quality services. This policy will also support Hennepin County’s longtime commitment to breaking down barriers small businesses face in accessing and participating in County contracting opportunities. This policy will focus on ensuring that contractors:
• Meet state and federal licensing requirements;
• Are in good standing and do not have confirmed recent wage and hour violations;
• Pay the prevailing wage when required by Hennepin County, which may be met by wage payment or a combination of wage payment and fringe benefits;
• Provide employees with a complaint/grievance procedure; and
• Meet Hennepin County requirements for job related training.
Staff will meet with internal and external stakeholders to ensure that a proposed policy aligns with the county priorities of disparity elimination and climate action.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: No Recommendation