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<br />the park, funding available in the Park Trust Fund, and explained that decreasing unit quantities <br />by 25%, it justifies the ability of the contractor to renegotiate the bids. Public Works Director <br />Olson noted the City got a great deal on the plans and staff recommends spending $20,000 to get <br />professional expertise to create a bid form that can be deciphered by contractors. He stated he <br />thinks the City will see a benefit in bids because of it. <br /> <br />CouncilmemberWise stated the plans were ready to build plans including specifications. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson stated the plans contain specifications for everything with the <br />exception of the pump to supply water into the pond. <br /> <br />City Engineer Himmer stated the plans are construction ready but the specifications are five <br />years old so any revisions or updates since then need to be incorporated. He stated staff is trying <br />to create some flexibility for things like trees from Arbor Day and other features such. as a <br />fountain, water supply for a fountain, a sculpture or memorial area. He explained that everyone <br />will interpret the bids in a different way so there cannot be an "apples to apples" comparison. <br />The specifications have to be tight and include timelines to assure the City can take advantage of <br />available grants. City Engineer Himmer stated if the specifications are not tight, bidders would <br />call and ask questions. Then, if the City decides to make that change, all bidders need that <br />information and have the same opportunity. <br /> <br />Public Works Director Olson cautioned there may not be many bidders if the City is not willing <br />to answer questions that come up. <br /> <br />Councilmember Look stated that deviation from this plan will cost the City $20,000 so he felt the <br />bidders could ask questions about the plan but the City should not deviate from it. <br /> <br />Motion by Mayor Ramsey, seconded by Councilmember Elvig, to approve the additional <br />consulting services for plan and specification updates, and preparation of bid documents in an <br />amount not to exceed $20,000. <br /> <br />Motion failed. V oting Yes: Mayor Ramsey, Councilmembers Elvig, and Jeffrey. Voting No: <br />Councilmembers Dehen, Look, and Wise. Absent: Councilmember McGlone. <br /> <br />Motion by Councilmember Dehen, seconded by Councilmember Elvig, to approve the additional <br />consulting services for plan and specification updates, and preparation of bid documents in an <br />amount not to exceed $10,000. <br /> <br />Further discussion: Councilmember Elvig stated support for the staff recommendation to create <br />a tight specification and options. Councilmember Wise stated concern that $20,000 would turn <br />into $50,000, noting the City tried to save money by buying plans that were ready to bid. <br />Councilmember Dehen asked if $10,000 is enough to upgrade the specifications. City Engineer <br />Himmer stated if $10,000 is authorized, then it has to be enough and the decision will be if staff <br />does the work in house or brings in expertise. Councilmember Look noted that URS worked <br />with Close Architects and asked if they made the City aware of this problem. Public Works <br />Director Olson stated the Council told staff to bid the existing plan and make sure it provided the <br /> <br />City Council / February 9, 2010 <br />. Page 9 of 13 <br />