City staff recommended that the council authorize a contract award to Highland Inc. for the Blacktooth Park Phase 6 irrigation project, with Highland submitting the lowest qualified sealed bid at $222,478.

Thomas Monow, city engineer, said Phase 6 covers irrigation around the recently completed inclusive playground and about five acres of surrounding parkland. He described a system of 1-inch to 3-inch pipe fed from the Blacktooth Way water main, associated irrigation appurtenances, hauling and spreading of topsoil, and seeding.

Staff said the Blacktooth project has proceeded in multiple phases and that phases 1–6 together total about $3.3 million. A pre-bid conference was held Sept. 24 and sealed bids opened Oct. 2; the city received two bids and Highland Inc. was the low qualified bidder. Monow asked the council to authorize the public works director to act on behalf of the mayor and council for project matters.

Council members asked whether the contract funding covers tree plantings or future shelters. Monow and Parks Director Steve H said the irrigation design anticipates locations for at least two 24-by-24 soft shade shelters and that the city arborist, Clark Van Hoosier, has a tree plan to place trees where irrigation access will serve them, using drip lines or other methods as appropriate. Monow said staff expects to begin work this fall but noted schedule depends on equipment and materials.

No formal award vote was recorded in the study session; staff presented the recommendation and answered questions.