Council approves $181,550 contract for Mercer Park north‑end design

Robert Diaz, Parks Director, presented a request to authorize a design consultant to complete plans for the north portion of Mercer Park within the Mercer Place subdivision. Diaz said the presentation follows prior direction to proceed with next‑phase design.

The council approved Resolution No. 2025‑120, authorizing professional services with Tignall and Perkins Incorporated for $181,550 to complete design and construction documents. Diaz explained the design cost is higher than typical neighborhood‑park design primarily because the scope includes retaining walls and associated engineering; he estimated about $40,000 of the fee is for engineering tied to grading and retaining structures.

Staff provided a project accounting update: the park began with a total budget of $1,055,000, work completed on the southern portion (trees, site amenities, irrigation and other items) consumed approximately $135,000, and the current available balance for Mercer Park is $922,190. Diaz said if the council approved the consultant the design phase documents could be returned for review in about three to six months and construction procurement could be targeted for next summer.

Council discussion focused on schedule, amenities and the need to balance park upgrades with neighborhood impacts such as parking and traffic. Councilman Reid moved to approve the resolution and the motion passed.

What happens next: staff will execute the agreement and begin the design phase. Diaz and the consultant will return with design documents and construction estimates for council review.

Clarifying details: authorized contract amount $181,550; available project balance $922,190; original project budget $1,055,000; design review estimated three to six months; staff highlighted the need for geotechnical/retaining wall engineering within the fee.