Title
Approving the use or non-use of a Project Labor Agreement on Department of Parks and Recreation construction projects for the first half of 2026.
Body
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul City Council adopted Council File #09-584 on the use of Project Labor Agreements (“PLA”) for projects involving $250,000 or more of City money; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is undertaking the following projects with construction budget totals over $250,000:
Battle Creek Recreation Center - proposed work will focus on a whole roof replacement.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (3 months)
Crosby Farm Regional Park Fishing Pier - proposed work includes removing current boardwalk at Upper Lake and installing a new fishing pier at Crosby Lake.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (3-4 months)
Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center - proposed work will focus on HVAC replacements.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (6 months)
Duluth and Case Basketball Court Construction - proposed work will focus on construction of a new basketball court and will likely include excavation, pavement, sport equipment, fencing and related site amenities.
Estimated Start Date: June 2026 (3 months)
East Geothermal Equipment Building - new 2,500 sf building to house geothermal equipment (equipment not included). Construction is cast in place foundations, precast walls, floor, and roof. No finishes. New electric service to the building but minimal mechanical and electrical systems.
Estimated Start Date: March 2026 (3-4 months)
Hamline Futsal and Basketball Court Reconstruction - proposed work will focus on the replacement of the existing futsal and basketball courts and will likely include improvements to pavement, sport equipment, fencing and related site amenities.
Estimated Start Date: June 2026 (3 months)
Harriet Island Regional Park - proposed work will focus on removal of stage and elevator.
Estimated Start Date: November 2026 (6 months)
Hayden Heights Recreation Center - proposed work will focus on HVAC replacement, AHU’s and boilers.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (6 months)
Hayden Heights Recreation Center - proposed work will focus on office, recreation rooms, bathrooms, and gym roof renovations to accommodate current codes.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (18 months)
Highland Park Aquatic Center - proposed work will focus on resurfacing of pools.
Estimated Start Date: October 2026 (3 months)
Martin Luther King Recreation Center - proposed work will focus on a whole roof replacement.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (4 months)
Martin Luther King Recreation Center - proposed work will focus on HVAC replacement of Penumbra AHU and Condenser, whole building boilers.
Estimated Start Date: January-April 2026 (9 months)
Merriam Park Site Improvements - proposed work will focus on sidewalk and trail improvements, sport courts, fields, playground and site amenities.
Estimated Start Date: June 2026 (6 months)
New Park at the Heights - development of a new 5-acre park in the heart of the new Heights Development on the Greater East Side. The park will include open lawn space, courts, play features, a shelter and restroom with trail connections.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (4-6 months)
Phalen Picnic Pavilion - modernization and renovation of the existing picnic pavilion at Phalen Regional Park for improved function and community use.
Estimated Start Date: April 2026 (8 months)
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation sent a written “Notice and Request for Recommendation on the Use of a PLA” to interested parties on December 29, 2025, with one response received; and
WHEREAS, the Saint Paul Building and Construction Trades Council recommended a PLA for the Battle Creek Recreation Center, Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center, East Geothermal Equipment Building, Harriet Island Regional Park, Hayden Heights Recreation Center (HVAC work), Hayden Heights Recreation Center (renovations), Highland Park Aquatic Center, Martin Luther King Recreation Center (roof replacement), Martin Luther King Recreation Center (HVAC work), Merriam Park Site Improvements, New Park at the Heights, and Phalen Picnic Pavilion projects listing the size and duration of projects and multiple crafts involved as the reasons they recommend a PLA for these projects; and
WHEREAS, in considering all criteria for evaluating a PLA as outlined in CF #09-584, the use of a PLA will ensure a harmonious, continuous, and stable workforce for the Battle Creek Recreation Center, Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center, East Geothermal Equipment Building, Harriet Island Regional Park, Hayden Heights Recreation Center (HVAC work), Hayden Heights Recreation Center (renovations), Highland Park Aquatic Center, Martin Luther King Recreation Center (roof replacement), Martin Luther King Recreation Center (HVAC work), Merriam Park Site Improvements, New Park at the Heights, and Phalen Picnic Pavilion projects, which will in turn ensure timely completion of the projects without work stoppage or interruption; and
WHEREAS, staff supports a recommendation for a PLA on the Battle Creek Recreation Center, Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center, East Geothermal Equipment Building, Harriet Island Regional Park, Hayden Heights Recreation Center (HVAC work), Hayden Heights Recreation Center (renovations), Highland Park Aquatic Center, Martin Luther King Recreation Center (roof replacement), Martin Luther King Recreation Center (HVAC work), Merriam Park Site Improvements, New Park at the Heights, and Phalen Picnic Pavilion projects; and
WHEREAS, each project listed in this resolution is being bid lump sum and labor rates are established by prevailing wage labor rates which meet or exceed union rates; and
WHEREAS, in considering all criteria for evaluating a PLA as outlined in CF #09-584 and past practice on substantially similar projects, a PLA will not benefit the Crosby Farm Regional Park Fishing Pier, Duluth and Case Basketball Court Construction and Hamline Futsal and Basketball Court Reconstruction projects; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby approves the use of a PLA on the construction portion of the Battle Creek Recreation Center, Dayton’s Bluff Recreation Center, East Geothermal Equipment Building, Harriet Island Regional Park, Hayden Heights Recreation Center (HVAC work), Hayden Heights Recreation Center (renovations), Highland Park Aquatic Center, Martin Luther King Recreation Center (roof replacement), Martin Luther King Recreation Center (HVAC work), Merriam Park Site Improvements, New Park at the Heights, and Phalen Picnic Pavilion projects; and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council finds that the Crosby Farm Regional Park Fishing Pier, Duluth and Case Basketball Court Construction and Hamline Futsal and Basketball Court Reconstruction projects are not of a scope or nature that they will be negatively impacted if no PLA is required.