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the City and have submitted lower bids. He inquired if the Committee is interested in adding more names to the list or possibly rotating one in and one out each year. He also suggested that the Road and Bridge Committee could also interview the consultants. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that big projects would involve a lot of money. If each of these 20+ consulting firms are licensed, etc., any one of them could do the work for the City. He felt that by selecting only four firms out of all of them, we may receive higher bids. Mr. Jankowski felt that approximately four frans should be chosen so they become familiar with the City. He added there is a fair amount of work spent by consulting firms in responding to requests for proposals to all the firms. Firms incurring the expense of preparing proposals should have a reasonable expectation of being awarded the project. He felt that a short list should be created as it would not be advisable to take every project the City has and open it up to every firm. Councilmember Zimmerman stated that his main point is that it would be more competitive. Mr. Jankowski explained that the City has been normally awarding to the lowest bidder. Once a short list is available, we could negotiate on a not-m-exceed price. Councilmember Zimmerman suggested that this issue also be discussed at a workshop. Motion by Councilmember Beahen and seconded by Councilmember Zimmerman to table this for discussion later at a Council workshop. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Councilmembers Beahen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #4: Update on 153/155th Avenue N.W. City Engineer Jankowski reported that in the summer of 1994, the firm of RLK, Inc. presented an engineering report which identified the proposed alignment for 153/155 Avenue N.W. between Variolite Street N.W. and Armstrong Boulevard N.W. In that preliminary engineering report, it was noted that the desired connection between 155th and Variolite Street and 153rd and Armstrong Boulevard could be achieved without filling DNR protected Wetland #111, which is also known as Jeglands Marsh. He continued that the consultant was directed to do a detailed delineation of the Wetland and complete final design for the roadway. Due to a combination of factors, which included the wetland being delineated about 25 feet inland further than anticipated, and the need to increase the roadway curve radius 30 feet due to some State Aid super-elevation design requirements, it now appears that the alignment proposed in the preliminary feasibility study would require filling approximately one-tenth of an acre. Staff and the Consultants met with the County Highway l)epartment to consider some possible alternatives to impacting the wetland. These included the regrading of Armstrong Boulevard N.W. to allow for the original design radius and also the straight westward extension of 155th Avenue N.W. to Armstrong Boulevard N.W., which would then require the use of Armstrong Boulevard N.W. as a segment of the east/west collector. The County Highway Staff felt both these options had serious negative impacts and suggested the Consultants approach MnDOT on the possibility of granting a variance to either the 35 mile per hour approach design speed or the super-elevation requirements along the approach. Mr. Jankowski stated that Staff would report back when a response is received regarding the variances. He added that this case if for informational purposes only and no action is necessary by the Committee. Road and Bridge Committee/February 14, 1995 Page 3 of 4