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Council approves $150,072 parks tree-planting contract using Sound Transit mitigation funds
Summary
The council authorized a small-works contract with AtWork Commercial Enterprise LLC to plant trees at Ballinger and Bicentennial parks using a Sound Transit fee-in-lieu mitigation fund; the contract construction budget (including 8% contingency) is $150,072. Council discussed remaining funds and next planting priorities.
Jeff Betts, recreation and parks director for Mountlake Terrace, presented a parks tree-planting project funded with a Sound Transit fee-in-lieu payment tied to light-rail construction impacts along the I‑5 corridor.
Betts said Sound Transit provided $256,793 as a fee-in-lieu after tree removals for the Linwood Link project, and staff used about $25,131 for design work to identify candidate parks. He proposed planting at Ballinger Park and Bicentennial Park and initially excluding Terrace Creek Park because of access, steep slopes and invasive plants. "That amount was for $256,793," Betts said, describing the mitigation fund source for the work.
Nut graf: After competitive solicitation using the MRSC SmallWorks roster, the city received six bids. The apparent low bid was ruled nonresponsive. The responsive low bidder, AtWork Commercial Enterprises LLC, submitted a bid of $138,009.55; with an 8 percent contingency staff recommended a construction budget not to exceed $150,072 and asked the council to authorize the city manager to execute the contract.
Council member Salmore asked how much of the original fee remains after the design work and the proposed contract. Betts said the remaining balance would be roughly $79,590 depending on contingencies and that staff were considering using the remainder for Terrace Creek Park, additional street trees, or other projects. Council member Marie and others asked about species and shade near playgrounds; Betts said species were chosen to balance shade, neighbor concerns and long-term maintenance.
The motion to authorize the city manager to execute the Small Works contract with AtWork Commercial Enterprise LLC in an amount not to exceed $150,072 (in a form approved by the city attorney) was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Wall, seconded, and carried on a voice vote. The council directed staff to proceed with contracting and to return with updates on planting timelines and any required change orders.
Ending: Betts said construction was planned to start in April and take a few weeks, with plantings expected to be in place before July 3 community events; the council asked staff to track remaining mitigation funds and report options for further plantings.
