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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—APRIL 18, 2016 6 compromise that included two components: widening of the Lexington Avenue bridge in order to construct a bike/pedestrian crossing, and the formation of a regional task force by MnDOT to identify the need for bike/pedestrian crossings at I-694 between I-35E and I-35W. The study was to be completed within 18 months. Acting Public Works Director Anderson also referenced a May 5, 2011 letter from MnDOT in which they agreed to form a study group to look at the existing non-motorized pedestrian crossings as well as other opportunities along 1-694 from I-35W to I-35E. He asked the Council for direction. Councilmember Holden stated it appears the study is complete and that MnDOT did what it said it would do. Councilmember McClung pointed out that one issue is the City's letter referenced the study's expected completion date as being within 18 months and that did not happen. He stated that in the future, there should be a firm timeline in writing provided before the City provides municipal consent. E. Engineering Contracts Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that years ago and with the assistance of the City of Roseville's engineering staff, Arden Hills had developed an engineering consultant pool. Over time, this pool was not utilized. He asked for direction from the City Council as to how it would like to select consultants in the future. Acting Public Works Director Anderson stated that once former Public Works Director Terry Maurer began working for the City of Arden Hills, he did not necessarily use the engineering pool but instead recommended the City utilize consultants that he had worked with in the past that he knew would provide a quality product at a reasonable price. Mayor Grant talked briefly about information from the annual audit this year that references the top five firms the City paid over the course of the year, noting Elfering and Associates, an engineering consultant firm, was number four on the list. He stated he would like to see the City pursue competitive bids again using a pool of consultants, especially on larger City projects. A discussion ensued about the engineering consultant pool concept and how in the past, bids were received from firms in the pool as they had been pre-selected and pre-qualified. Acting Public Works Director Anderson indicated the City is not required to bid for engineering services. He noted that when competitively bidding for engineering services, the lowest price can at times equate to the lowest quality. He also stated that much of the costs incurred are related to the consultant's staff time and that these hours are not included in the bid. Councilmember Wicklund stated that if the City receives two or three competitive bids that are a range of prices, a decision can be made based on reputation and not necessarily the cheapest bid.