The Historic Preservation Commission was updated on the Essen Log Cabin project and told that the city’s contract to reassemble the cabin was approved by City Council on reconsideration and awarded to Cheret Creek Excavating.

Staff reported the council vote passed narrowly on reconsideration and that the contractor, identified in the meeting as Mr. McDonald of Cheret Creek Excavating, expects to proceed but is waiting for improved site access. Village Green Phase 1 construction and existing contractor equipment currently block the cabin site, and staff said the contract lists a November 30 completion date but the start could be delayed by the site conditions.

Staff noted the cabin bid was approximately $280,000 (the contract price discussed was described as “just under $300,000”) and that the project team believes some work such as footings and slab on grade can proceed even with less-than-ideal access. Staff also said the city is reviewing whether the collection of Village Green projects plus the playground and cabin could conflict with a charter provision limiting single projects above an inflation-adjusted $4,200,000 threshold; staff said they are investigating to ensure compliance and suggested playground scope or timing could be adjusted if needed.

Commissioners asked whether the city should delay the cabin reassembly until Phase 1 is complete. Staff responded that while some tasks could be done now, sequencing and contractor coordination remain a concern and that the city administrator had urged urgency in clearing access. Commissioners and staff discussed scaling elements of the playground and using a ribbon-cutting or other contractual mechanism to stagger official project completions if needed to comply with charter limits.

No new contract award or change order was approved at the meeting. The commission’s conversation focused on timing, coordination among contractors, potential minor cost tradeoffs if work goes forward before site is fully cleared, and the importance of keeping the cabin reassembly on track given public interest.