Planning department seeks change order and extension for Ross Park carousel restoration

Julia Burling, director of planning, presented RL25-58, a resolution to authorize Change Order 2 for the Ross Park carousel restoration project.

Burling said the item covers final design work, preparation of bid documents and work needed to relocate and restore the carousel. She told the council that the State Historic Preservation / review authority (referred to in the meeting as SHIP) required design changes — notably preferring glass bifold doors and retaining air flow for the carousel — and that each change required updated drawings, producing delays. Burling said the contractor has largely completed the horse restoration and site work; the change order would fund final design and bidding so construction and relocation could occur. She said the team hopes to bid the project in April and, if awarded in May, to complete construction and relocation by December.

Burling also requested an additional contract time extension beyond the existing contract end date of December 2025; she said the contractor has signaled some hesitancy about further extensions but that staff believe an extension would likely be granted.

Council members asked about potential procurement delays and whether expedition of the resolution would speed the schedule; Burling said expediting would help by clearing municipal approvals sooner. A motion to expedite the resolution passed on roll call with recorded opposition from two members (Council member Middleton voted nay; Council President Dundon voted nay), otherwise the motion carried.