04/14/26 City Commission Work Session

The City Commission Work Session of Manhattan, Kansas, held on April 14, 2026, focused extensively on the city's procurement processes, particularly related to public works contracts and professional service procurements. Director of Public Works Brian Johnson provided a detailed overview of the city's contracting methods, including design bid build, construction manager at risk, design build, and development agreements. The discussion covered the use of Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for selecting professional service firms, contract structures, bonding requirements, liquidated damages, and the rotation of on-call consultants. The commission also discussed challenges in construction bidding, project management, and strategies to manage cost escalations. Additionally, the session addressed the upcoming renewal of the on-call professional services program and the importance of balancing opportunities for new firms with experience requirements. The meeting concluded with a brief discussion on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the planning board's request for staff to research this topic further, with no immediate policy decisions made. No votes were taken during this work session, but several action items related to procurement processes and future contract renewals were identified.