Sponsor: Safety and Justice
Property Management and Finance
Title
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Capital Improvement Program Contingent Fund Request for the Saint Paul Campus Security Project
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Recommendation
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Authorize the County Manager to transfer up to $200,000 from the Capital Improvement Program Contingent Account to the Saint Paul Campus Security Project Capital Improvement Program project budget for project activities.
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Background and Rationale
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As part of the 2024-2025 budget process, which included the 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), funding was approved for the Saint Paul Campus Security Project. The project includes the installation of a comprehensive permanent security fence with controlled access gates, along with additional security cameras across the campus.
The Saint Paul campus houses several critical county facilities, including the Law Enforcement Center, Adult Detention Center (county jail), Emergency Communications (9-1-1) Center, courtrooms, the Public Defender’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, and the 402 Building (Mental Health Center). Collectively, the campus serves as a hub for essential 24-hour emergency response, detention, judicial, and health services that are vital to the safety and well-being of the community. A breach of security at this location could compromise multiple public safety systems and disrupt services relied upon by residents.
The project is currently in progress and is expected to be completed this year. At the time the project was proposed, costs were estimated based on then current market conditions. Since then, unanticipated increases in material and labor costs have occurred. In addition, a separate city construction project along University Avenue was not known during the original planning process and has introduced new coordination requirements and design modifications that have increased project costs. As a result, this request for contingent CIP funding is not due to an expansion of the project scope, but rather to external market conditions and revisions related to the city street project that emerged after the original project budget was approved.
Contingent funding is necessary to complete the originally approved scope without reducing critical security elements. Delaying completion until the next CIP cycle would leave the campus perimeter partially unsecured for an extended period. From the outset, the fence was intentionally designed to balance security with accessibility. The design prioritizes safety while remaining community-friendly, avoiding an appearance that could be perceived as unwelcoming or overly fortified.
Safety & Justice and Property Management recommend approval of this request.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
There is no direct racial equity impact associated with this request. However, as with most CIP projects, workforce inclusion goals apply. These include a target of 32% minority participation and 20% women participation in the workforce, as well as a goal of 32% utilization of certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). Eligible SBEs must be listed in the Central Certification (CERT) Program directory, which is recognized by the county as the approved source for identifying SBE subcontractors and suppliers, in accordance with the county’s workforce inclusion and contracting goals policy.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This project has been presented twice to the Capital Improvement Program Citizens’ Advisory Committee (CIPAC). On both occasions, the committee recommended approval, including the original request as part of the 2024-2025 budget process and, most recently, a recommendation for contingent approval on March 6, 2026. CIPAC provides residents with the opportunity to participate in the development and adoption of the Capital Improvement Program. The committee consists of up to 14 residents, along with county staff, who review project requests and make recommendations to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
Throughout the planning and architectural design process, deliberate efforts were made to ensure that the selected fencing materials are unobtrusive and community-friendly, helping to preserve a welcoming and inviting appearance.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There are sufficient funds available in the CIP Contingent Account to support this request. Funds will be transferred to the Saint Paul Campus Security Project. The originally approved project budget was $1.09 million. Upon completion of the project, any remaining funds will be returned to the CIP Contingent Fund Account.
Last Previous Action
On June 17, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the agreement with Sheehy Construction Company for security fencing at the Ramsey County Law Enforcement Center Campus (Resolution B2025-121).
On December 12, 2023, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved the 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program Budget (Resolution B2023-246).
Attachments
None.