Summary
The Leelanau Township Board reviewed a proposal from KPM Engineering, PLLC, submitted March 6, 2026, to Craig M. Brown, PE of the Leelanau County Road Commission (LCRC), for design engineering services on the "Cherry Home Shores" subdivision road project. The proposal covers HMA base crushing, shaping, and paving of 3.79+/- miles of roadway, with construction planned for 2027 funded through a Special Assessment District (SAD). The total design fee proposed is $59,574.80.
Infrastructure Projects
The project involves HMA base crushing and shaping with 3" of new HMA paving at 22' width, with 4' gravel shoulders on both sides, and undercutting in some areas. Design speed and posted speed limit are set at 25 mph. KPM will handle survey (cross-sections at 500' intervals rather than full design survey), utility coordination, drainage improvements (including removal of existing berms, driveway culvert cleanouts, and shallow ditches/swales), and maintaining traffic via single lane closures during construction. No right-of-way acquisition, significant tree removal, or profile/grade changes are anticipated. A Geotechnical Investigation Report (GIR) dated September 19, 2024 will inform pavement fix decisions. KPM will notify the LCRC if construction cost estimates vary more than 5% from budget. Plan packages will be submitted at Base Plan (30-50%), Preliminary Plan (75%), and Final Plan (100%) stages, with Final Plans due December 18, 2026, and a letting date targeted for January 2027. KPM stated it will not proceed past Base Plan design if the SAD is not approved.
Other Business
The proposal notes that additional Construction Assistance services, if required, would require separate authorization. KPM will maintain a Design Project Record documenting changes, comments, and submittal history throughout the project.
Financial Summary
Total project fee: $59,574.80, broken down by design phase: $43,843.00 for the 30% (Base Plan) phase, $13,967.20 for the 75% (Preliminary Plan) phase, and $1,764.60 for the 100% (Final Plan) phase. Hourly rates are listed at $116 and $106 depending on staff classification. Mileage costs are itemized at $350, $175, and $87.60 across the three phases. No design survey or soil boring costs are included ($0.00 each). Total estimated hours across all phases: 521, split between project management/engineering (273.5 hours) and engineering staff (across categories totaling 247.5 hours).
Action Items
Authorization to Proceed with Design (APD) is targeted for March 2026. Initial field work is expected APD +30 to 60 days. Base Plans (with construction estimate) are due APD +60 to 90 days. Preliminary Plans are due APD +90 to 120 days. Final Plans are due December 18, 2026. Construction letting is planned for January 2027, with construction occurring in 2027. Design progress beyond the Base Plan stage is contingent on SAD approval.