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Parks Supervisor Riverblood reviewed the staff report. <br />Commissioner Elvig arrived at 7:54 p.m. <br />Commissioner Ramsey asked if soil borings had been done and why they did not reveal the <br />extent of the organics. <br />City Engineer Himmer advised the borings were done and showed some organics, such as sod <br />and clay, in a two to three foot thickness across the area of 250 feet. The soil borings were not <br />done when this project moved forward so that information was not available at that time. <br />Commissioner Ramsey asked if there was not time to come back and ask the Council for an <br />additional $10,000. <br />Parks Supervisor Riverblood explained this problem was not anticipated in this area but it was <br />learned that Rehbein salvaged sand and brought back organics. At the same time, the HRA had a <br />buyer for the lots that wanted to fast track for the Parade of Homes. It was decided to move <br />forward because of that and the cost of pulling the contractor off and then getting them back <br />would have cost $5,000 to $10,000 in mobilization. <br />Commissioner Ramsey stated he understands why it was moved forward but the problem should <br />have been known when three soil borings showed organics. <br />Commissioner Strommen noted it was indicated the extent of the organics was not known from <br />the three borings. <br />HRA Executive Director Ulrich acknowledged it is a lesson learned that soil borings are needed <br />prior to mobilizing. In this case, there was not much choice but to move forward. He agreed if <br />the City was going to be responsible for soil corrections, staff needed to do a better job of <br />identifying risk ahead of time. <br />Chairperson McGlone felt that lesson should have been learned from the water tower project. <br />Commissioner Tossey agreed there had been pressure from a buyer and Parade of Homes <br />schedule and noted this is a relatively minor change order compared to the water tower change <br />order. <br />Chairperson McGlone agreed with the need to drill holes prior to mobilization. <br />Commissioner Ramsey stated he can support the additional cost but wanted to know the process <br />of what had happened. <br />Commissioner Elvig stated this project is to create lots for sale for housing and noted many <br />houses are built on less than perfect soils. He asked why this soil correction had to be done. <br />Chairperson McGlone explained the organic soil discovered was not usable. <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority / June 5, 2012 <br />Page 5 of 10 <br />