Minutes - Council Work Session - 04/26/2005

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is still with the project. He explained earlier this spring, several requests for quotes were issued lbr thc specific elements identified above. At this point, most costs are known except irrigation which is estimated to be about $12,000. Unfortunately, some of these costs are considerably higher than were estimated. He explained originally when the $117,000 was estimated there was only about $5,000 worth of irrigation costs included, which was to be right next to the entrance to the park. The increased amount of $12,000 would be for the area between the entrance and Sunfish Lake Boulevard to be more manicured and landscaped. This is included in the form of an alternate, which allows the ability to cut out about half of the $12,000. He explained a good percentage of the overage in the estimate is from fuel costs that were not anticipated. He explained the estimate is the worst-case scenario, as one of the contractors informed staff that their bid did not include sales tax. However, staff has since received a letter from them saying their bid does include sales tax. He indicated staff looked for areas to cut and stay within budget and felt there would have been a substantial reduction in the scope of what the game is all about. Councihncmber Cook asked if the additional $24,000 would come out of the Park Trust Fund. Assistant Public Works Director Olson responded in the affirmative. Councihnember Cook asked if this would affect other projects included in the Capital Improvement Plan for parks. Assistant Public Works Director Olson replied staff does not anticipate there will be a reduction on the scope of any other projects to accomplish this budget overage. The City has been succcssfi~l in applying more money to the Park Trust Fund from the developments that have come into the City in the recent past. Councihnember Elvig asked if the Park Board has reviewed this. Assistant Public Works Director replied the Park Board has seen the entire park plan and has been provided with updates on a regular basis. Councihnember Elvig indicated he would not be in favor of rendering an opinion on spending the Park Board's funds, as the Council often asks them to be responsible when they put together a park plan. He inquired if a review by the Park Board could be accomplished while meeting staff' s timeframe. Assistant Public Works Director Olson replied that would be difficult. Councihnember Cook stated the Council should move this forward. The Park Board was very favorable of this whole design and additional irrigation to that area will be beneficial if none of the other projects will be affected. Councilmember Jeffrey noted if sales tax is included in the figures the overage would be more like $15,000 than $24,000. City Council Work Session/April 26, 2005 Page 5 of 6