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Little Brooklyn Park contract approved; council trims amenities after bid irregularity and settles on $406,900 base cost
Summary
Council approved an award for Little Brooklyn Park contingent on state approval. Staff described a withdrawn low bid, selection of the next bidder, a base contract of $406,900 and scope reductions that removed a drinking fountain and reduced light posts and mural allowances.
The New Iberia City Council approved an award for the Little Brooklyn Park project and authorized the mayor to execute contract documents contingent on approval by the governor’s Office of Facility Planning and Control. City staff told the council the project will proceed with a contractor after the lowest bidder withdrew, and that scope reductions were made to bring the project within budget.
The council’s presentation said a bid opening on Feb. 19 left E and L Construction Group as the recommended contractor after the low bidder withdrew because of a mathematical error. Staff said the council settled on a $406,900 contract amount that reflects value engineering: the project removes the drinking fountain (listed in the record as a $2,300 reduction once associated connection and drain work were considered), reduces freestanding light posts from three to one (pavilion lighting remains), and scales back mural and allowance items to lower costs.
Why it matters: the park is a pocket infill park intended to serve nearby residents and bus‑stop users; the scope reductions affect amenities city leaders had discussed installing and may be revisited if additional funds or community contributions are found.
Details presented to council • Bid and award: staff said the lowest bidder withdrew due to a mathematical error; staff recommended proceeding with the next qualified bidder. The resolution on the agenda names P and L Construction Group as the awarded contractor; the transcript records staff describing E and L Construction Group as the contractor recommended after the low bid withdrawal, creating an inconsistency that staff said would be resolved in contract documentation and is subject to state facility planning approval. • Contract amount and value engineering: base contract reported as $406,900. Deduct alternate 2 (plumbing/drinking‑fountain removal) and other allowances for murals and minor park fixtures were used to reduce cost. Staff described the drinking fountain removal as a substantial cut once connection and drainage costs were included. • Lighting: freestanding light posts reduced from three to one; pavilion lighting retained and will be on a switching system. Staff said the single pole plus pavilion lighting and adjacent street lighting should provide nighttime illumination; they also said staff can return later to add lighting if safety concerns arise. • Use and management: Parks & Recreation will maintain the site; reservations of the pavilion will follow standard Parks & Rec procedures.
Council comment and next steps Council members asked about sightlines, lighting adequacy and mural funding; staff said the site is small (described approximately as 30 by 60 feet) and functions primarily as a bus‑stop shelter and pocket park rather than a sports site. The contract award is contingent on approval from the governor’s Office of Facility Planning and Control before the city executes contract documents.
Votes and contingencies The council approved the resolution awarding the contract by voice vote; the award is contingent on the state agency’s approval and on resolution of an internal discrepancy about the awarded bidder's exact legal name in contract documents.
Project contacts and implementation Parks & Recreation and Public Works staff will finalize contract documents once state approvals are received and will return to council if additional funding or scope changes are required.
