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Page 2 kimley-horn.com 2550 University Avenue West, Suite 238N, St. Paul, MN 55114 651 645 4197 The implementation of these three bid packages would ready the Rice Creek Commons site for private investment beginning in late 2017 or early 2018. There are a number of critical schedule items that need to be considered in the implementation of the public infrastructure as follows: A. Role of a Master Developer A partnership with a Master Developer is critical in developing some of the final design details for the proposed public infrastructure and the Master Developer needs to be at the table when these design decisions are being made. The selection of a Master Developer in the first quarter of 2016 will allow them to be available for the necessary design discussions. B. Design Guidelines The preparation of Design Guidelines is proposed to supplement the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) and provide a more detailed guide for the quality and finish of the development. The purpose of the guidelines is to: · Help shape the design of the public realm, civic space, and infrastructure · Establish more detailed concept designs for the natural resources corridor, town center and gateway areas · Guide private investment in a way that supports the desired character of development The Design Guidelines are anticipated to be a four to five month exercise and the process needs to begin in early 2016 to allow the outcomes to be incorporated into the final design. It is important that the Master Developer be a part of the Design Guidelines process. C. Final Design Process and Agency Reviews/Approvals The final design process will require coordination with and reviews/approvals from a number of agencies including the cities of Arden Hills, Mounds View, and Shoreview; MnDOT; Rice Creek Watershed District; Army Corps of Engineers; Minnesota DNR; and MPCA. A six to seven month final design and agency review period is necessary to allow adequate time to complete the final plans and obtain the necessary approvals. In addition, cooperative agreements and financing plans need to be developed for the County and City cost contributions. The final design process should be initiated in early 2016 to allow adequate time for the necessary coordination efforts. D. Maximizing the Construction Bidding Environment The current construction bidding environment may create some challenges in obtaining competitive bids. Considering the significance of the County and City investments in the public infrastructure, optimizing the timing for the bidding process could result in significant cost savings. A bid opening for Bid Package #3 is recommended in November/December 2016 to maximize the bidding environment. E. Construction Timing/Schedule A bid opening for Bid Package #3 in late 2016 would allow the contractor the option to begin work in early 2017, weather permitting. Extending the 2017 construction season as much