Houghton County leaders will research what a public-private partnership could offer in building a new jail. On Tuesday, Moyle Construction representatives shared with the Jail Committee that the company has looked internally at what it could do to assist Houghton County.
Andrew Kemper and Ben Larsen believe Moyle Construction could optimize an existing streamlined construction process to build a jail. A potential project would be the company’s first in security construction.
“Projects built by private developers have the ability to streamline processes and cut out what I’m going to call a lot of the red tape associated with purely publicly built projects,” said Andrew Kemper, engineering and project manager for Moyle Construction. “That’s a reality. It doesn’t mean that you cut corners. It doesn’t mean that you build things with materials that are subpar. A lot of times, it’s purely in the administrative costs associated with the project.”
Committee members asked several questions and were open about concerns they have regarding a design-build plan that would come with a lease-back agreement.
“I see the pluses to this proposal, obviously. But I don’t think that it’s something that should just be considered without really looking into it and making sure that when it comes time to build that jail, we are bidding it out and not giving preference to any business, local or otherwise,” said Gretchen Janssen, Houghton County commissioner.
Kemper said another benefit to working together is familiarity with the local construction industry and contractors. He believes Moyle Construction could partner its expertise with nearby engineering and architecture firms, and security industry experts.
“We will give that much more opportunity in the community for this facility to be constructed by all of our local trades people, our local fabrication shops, our local welders, our local woodworkers, everything. Like electricians, plumbers,” Kemper said. “And when you bring in larger firms from out of town, a lot of times that does not happen.”
The jail committee then recommended the Houghton County Commission seek more information on a design-build pathway, lease-back arrangements, and what steps are necessary for the county to pursue proper due diligence in committing public funds.
Commission Chairman Tom Tikkanen noted during the committee meeting his goal to have a jail issue placed on the November ballot. Houghton County will continue working on the jail issue over the coming months.
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