City of Gardner staff told the Economic and Community Development Committee they have identified $37,717.68 in existing CDBG and park project funds and will reclassify additional balances to approach the estimated $50,000–$52,000 needed to complete repairs at Mackie Park.

Staff said funds moved so far include $14,772.53 transferred from a Perkins account and $18,253.44 from Park Street Park, producing the $37,717.68 total. Busy Bee, the original contractor for park work, told staff it can provide a reestimate; staff expect the contractor’s updated price by the end of next week or the following week.

Why it matters: Mackie Park’s remaining work was intended to make the park ADA-compliant; repairs have been delayed while staff located funding. Committee members acknowledged the delay but said the city has a plan to finish the job and avoid rebidding, which would add time.

Procurement approach: staff reported that, under the procurement laws cited in the meeting (Chapter 30B and the construction statute referenced in the record), the work can proceed as a contract amendment with the original contractor because the additional scope is “substantially similar” to the existing contract, and therefore a new two-week bid procurement is not required. Staff said the Inspector General’s office must approve in some cases because of elapsed time, so approvals are still needed.

Other project funding: staff also reported that Pulaski Park improvements (drainage at the dog park, new walking trail, rubber mulch) came in significantly under budget; those savings are the likely source of additional funds to finish Mackie Park.

Status and next steps: staff expect to confirm the final estimate from Busy Bee, confirm the remaining fund reclassifications at an upcoming meeting, and execute a contract amendment when funding and approvals are in place. Committee members asked staff to remember the procurement shortcut in future similar projects to save time.

Ending: staff said they will report progress in the September update; if schedule or funding changes occur they will notify the committee and public.