The Rice County Board of Commissioners, meeting as a committee throughout Tuesday, discussed how to move forward with the construction process for a new prison / law enforcement center.
The land acquisition has not yet taken place. Matthew Verdick, director of the Rice County’s Parks and Facilities Department, tells KDHL that they are currently negotiating land on which to locate the new facility, valued at approximately $ 50 million. The purchase of the property should be included in these costs.
During the meeting on Tuesday, District 4 Commissioner Steve Underdahl shared his knowledge from the construction business and explained the differences between construction management and design-build.
Underdahl says: “Construction management didn’t come onto the market until the late 1960s and early 1970s. My degree is construction management. When I went to school it was just a whole new concept of market share. Both in the public and in the private sector. “
Underdahl added, “The contract packages are smaller and it may allow more of our local contractors to bid on them. Electricians, plumbers and excavators would at least have the option to bid on it. These are my thoughts on that.”
Commissioner Jim Purfeerst said he liked the idea of hiring local contractors. “I think it’s good for the people in our county, and I like the team idea. Matt showed us several examples of what was being built here. I think the team group setting would probably help reduce some of the larger elements that are likely to be included in the project. ”That’s not necessary. I think this construction management idea is probably the way to go for me. “
Verdick said he agreed, “I thought building the design first, but after doing research, I agree that construction management consultants are the way to go. I would say that the board still has a lot of control and influence over it and I would like to offer local contractors the opportunity to participate in this project. “
The Commissioners do not take a formal vote during their working sessions, but the matter will most likely be raised at the next regular meeting of the District Commissioners’ Committee, at which one vote will be cast.
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