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<br />7 <br />..-' <br /> <br />CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION <br />Topic Report: Discuss Contract Revisions for <br />East Meandering Commons Park <br />By: Tim Himmer, City Engineer <br /> <br /> <br />Background: <br /> <br />When the main contract was awarded for East Meandering Commons Park the proposed wetland <br />classroom at the east end of the park was removed prior to the bid opening, and the associated <br />improvements that relied on this wetland (two observation platforms, and a 60 foot pedestrian <br />bridge) were removed at the time of award. The reasoning for doing this was there was still <br />uncertainty related to the overall mitigation requirements for the existing Ramsey Town Center <br />(RTC) wetland permit, and who the responsible party would be to bring the permit into <br />compliance. <br /> <br />The HRA will be discussing the results of our negotiations with the LRRWMO earlier in the <br />evening and working towards an implementation plan to complete the outstanding RTC/COR <br />wetland obligations. Depending on the outcome of that meeting it may be possible to add the <br />lump sum alternates mentioned above back into the W. Gohman contract at the original bid <br />price. If the HRA chooses to go forward with the staff recommendation to complete the <br />mitigation areas that have already been initiated on the site, the wetland classroom located within <br />the park would be constructed this fall. Since certain improvements in the W. Gohman were <br />dependent on the wetland to function it would make sense that we include those back into the <br />existing contract and complete this work while the contractor is still on the site and eliminate the <br />need to rebid these components. <br /> <br />Staffhas contacted the City Attorney, and the League of Minnesota Cities Attorney representing <br />the City in the lawsuit that was filed contesting the project award, for their opinion in executing <br />this contract addition. At the time of this case preparation we had not received a response to our <br />inquiry, so this information will be available at the meeting. <br /> <br />Additionally, please recall that this wetland component in the park has often been referred to as <br />the "charter school wetland" as it was planned to have some outdoor classroom functionality <br />and/or learning curriculum that was to be developed and applied at this site. Staff is uncertain of <br />the obligations related to this piece, and the discussions that have led to this reference, and is. <br />seeking direction on how to proceed with understanding the relationship between this public park <br />and the desire of both the school(s) and the City Council on an appropriate level of participation. <br /> <br />Finally, since there have been recent concerns expressed about the tree species in the park, <br />attached is a fall color diagram that illustrates the potential colors that would be realized under <br />