County, Minnesota DNR to partner on new Pine Point Regional Park trailhead kiosk
Washington County and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) entered a joint powers agreement to purchase and install a new trailhead kiosk at Pine Point Park Regional Park.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the agreement March 18.
The Minnesota DNR is currently adding new kiosks along the Gateway State Trail and offered to partner with Washington County to replace the existing trailhead kiosk at Pine Point Regional Park. Washington County will be responsible for 50% of the project costs, up to a maximum amount of $15,000. DNR will handle all supplies and installation of the kiosk, as well as the remaining 50% of the project costs.
Pine Point Regional Park is a nature area with pine forests, lakes, and marshes located in Stillwater Township. It serves as one of the major trailheads to the State of Minnesota's Gateway Trail. Pine Point Regional Park contains five miles of multi-use trails for biking, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and hiking. The park is also open to horseback riding on some of the finest trails in the metropolitan area.
Contact: Alex McKinney, Parks Director, 651-430-4364
County’s procurement manager named Purchasing Manager of the Year
Nicki Castro, Washington County’s Procurement Manager in the Accounting and Finance Department, was named Purchasing Manager of the Year by the Minnesota Chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP).
The Washington County Board of Commissioners recognized Castro for the award at its March 18 meeting.
NIGP is a highly respected organization dedicated to advancing public procurement through education, certification, and professional resources for government and nonprofit purchasing professionals. Castro’s peers nominated her for this award in recognition of her exceptional leadership, innovative process and policy improvements, and steadfast dedication to excellence in public procurement.
The award recognizes Castro’s achievements in the field of procurement, highlighting her expertise in purchasing, commitment to professional development, and dedicated service to Washington County. Castro’s active involvement in both the MN NIGP Chapter and National NIGP has further solidified her reputation as a leader in procurement. Through her extensive professional certifications and industry knowledge, she continues to drive best practices, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and integrity in purchasing operations.
Contact: Cat Piepho, Accounting and Finance Director, 651-430-6027
Ti-Zack Concrete, LLC selected for County Highway 2 Rehabilitation Project in Forest Lake
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Ti-Zack Concrete, LLC for concrete and pavement rehabilitation work along County State Aid Highway 2 (Broadway Ave. W.) in Forest Lake March 18.
The contract totaling $1,369,925.84 includes rehabilitation of concrete pavement, concrete boulevards, and bituminous trail, and replacing signage and striping along Broadway Ave. W. between Interstate 35 and Centennial Drive.
Bids for the project were opened in January and Ti-Zack Concrete, LLC was the lowest bidder. Construction is expected to begin this spring.
Contact: Erin Clarkowski, Engineer II, 651-430-4384
HDR Engineering, Inc. to do preliminary design on County Rd. 50 and Highway 61 intersection improvement project
The Washington County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. March 18 for preliminary design work on the County Rd. 50 (202nd St. N.) and Trunk Highway 61 intersection improvement project in Forest Lake.
In November 2024, the Washington County Public Works Department issued a request for proposals (RFP) to provide project coordination, preliminary engineering, stakeholder and public engagement, utility coordination, data collection, geotechnical analysis, and environmental documentation services.
Public Works received six proposals from qualified firms to provide design services for this improvement project and HDR Inc. was selected as the most qualified consultant.
The approved contract totals $399,968.37. Project construction is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Contact: Ryan Hoefs, Engineer II, 651-430-4314