Agenda - Council - 10/27/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5. 20. CC Regular Session Meeting Date: 10/27/2026 Primary Strategic Plan Initiative: Promote economic growth and development. Title: Adopt Resolution #26-252 Extending the Contract with H+U Construction for Follow-up Improvements at The Waterfront Purpose/Background: Background The 16-acre park in the city's downtown known as The Waterfront, has been heartily welcomed by residents as a success and new addition to the city's park and trail system, and the waterplay portion in particular was frequented regularly by visitors to Ramsey this Summer. This last aspect is notable as the park's development has been viewed as an opportunity to create a destination attracting people to Ramsey's downtown to help support the retail environment —in addition to serving as a community park for residents. The first phase of the park's development following mass grading and the completion of the streets and on -street parking, was the creation of a 6/10 of mile trail circumnavigating the 7-acre deep -water pond, together with the first trees established around the north, west and south sides of the park. The Waterfront's second phase consisted primarily of the $4M waterplay plaza, large restroom and surrounding landscape, as well as irrigation all the way around the trail and pond. Additionally, in 2026, there was the construction of a large fishing pier and the second stocking of game fish, together with substantial shoreline vegetation establishment —all of which were funded by the MN DNR. Following the July 1st opening of the restroom and waterplay/splash pad elements, there were several small improvements identified to enhance and complete the project —and it was apparent that the bistro -style seating area with decorative fencing above the waterfall should be extended to the south to provide more seating, and to 'enclose' the splash pad area and better separate children from the adjacent storm pond. Time Frame/Observations/Alternatives: Observations The follow-up improvements recommended by the Park and Recreation Commission and the Public Works Committee below, may be undertaken as soon as this late Fall, and, depending on the weather and construction conditions, will be completed no later than the Spring of 2027. Overlook and bistro seating area extension and enclosure of the plaza + food truck plaza expansion ($90k) Misc improvements/enhancements ($ 12k) 60 large B & B trees planted throughout the park ($36k) The third attachment includes summary imagery of these follow-up improvements and extension of the scope of work to the 2026 park project. Funding Source: All 'follow-up' improvements and trees approved by adopting Resolution #26-252 would be funded by the Park Trust Fund (present balance of approx. $7M). It may be further noted that the Roers 5-story apartment project under construction now at the Southwest intersection to The Waterfront, has contributed $731,000 in Park Dedication fees to the Park Trust Fund, and will also be the home of hundreds of new patrons to the park. Recommendation: On October 8th, the Park & Recreation Commission recommended proceeding with the above -referred park improvement extension from the project earlier this year —and the planting this Fall of approximately 60 B & B trees for an additional scope of work of $138,000—and the Public Works Committee affirmed this recommendation at their regular meeting on October 20th, 2026.