2016.10.25 CC COMBINED - Laserfiche WebLink

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October 11, 2016 Page 3 of 6 placement, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, water main, asphaltic concrete pavement, concrete curbing and pavement, fencing, backstops, irrigation, seeding, sodding, site electrical, sports field and parking lot lighting, field equipment, landscaping and other related miscellaneous improvements. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting explained the bids are generally consistent with the engineering estimate. The low bidder, Ramsey Excavating, has not worked for the City before, but Anderson-Johnson Associates (AJA), our consulting engineer, has indicated that Ramsey has done similar work in other communities. Therefore, Ramsey Excavating Co. is qualified and capable of performing work of this kind and magnitude. AJA and staff recommend awarding the contract to Ramsey Excavating Co. If awarded, the contract requires final completion of the project by October 20, 2017. The Contractor has indicated they would like to start immediately. Staff recommended the Council accept all bids and approve the Lions Park project. Councilmember Strub requested further information on the focus group. Parks and Recreation Director Brueur described how staff formed the focus group noting the group currently had seven members. She noted a member from PREC has also been appointed to the focus group. Councilmember Strub encouraged residents not on the focus group to provide feedback to the City and participate in the community build out of the new Lions Park. Councilmember Jacobsen understood the City had a great partnership with Ramsey County for this park. He asked if the lacrosse and softball fields were full sized. Parks and Recreation Director Brueur reported these fields were full sized, would be fenced and lit. She then reviewed which portions of the park would be covered by Ramsey County. Councilmember Burg asked for additional information on the hours of operation for the park along with the accessibility of the playground. Parks and Recreation Director Brueur explained the City was looking at constructing a fully adaptable playground. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting discussed the hours of operation for the park noting all games would have to be done by 10:00 p.m. Mayor Johnson questioned when Ramsey County would be completing their portion of the park. Parks and Recreation Director Brueur stated Ramsey County was waiting on State funding for their portion of the project. She anticipated the work would be completed in 2018. Councilmember Bauman asked if the environmental work had already been completed for this portion of land. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting explained in order to install the light fixtures additional soil borings were required. Councilmember Bauman questioned how much water would be in the basin at any one time. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting explained this pond would have at least four to five feet of water at all times. He described how the area would be graded for safety purposes. Councilmember Bauman inquired why the bid came in 9% higher than anticipated. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting was uncertain of any one area that came in higher. Councilmember Strub asked how the City would keep children away from the railroad tracks. He understood that walking or crossing the railroad tracks was prohibited. Parks and Recreation Director Brueur stated there was an at grade plan to cross the tracks years ago. However, the railroad denied access to the City. Staff hoped that people would use common sense and stay away from the railroad tracks. Councilmember Bauman questioned when the City would learn more about Ramsey County and their commitment to the project. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting reported Ramsey County was currently working on a cooperative agreement with the City. Councilmember Bauman inquired if the City has created an ongoing maintenance plan for Lions Park. Community Assets and Development Director Schlichting stated the City has been analyzing the costs for pavement preservation, mowing, irrigation, lighting and restroom maintenance. He explained that all of these costs would be shared by the City and County jointly and would be addressed in one document. Mayor Johnson asked if there was a possibility this project would be pushed out further than