The Planning and Parks Committee on July 21 recommended that City Council approve contracting with Charette Creek Excavating for the rebid of the Essen log cabin reassembly, after a rebid produced a low base bid of about $280,000. Director Rudich presented results from the rebidding process and said the low bid represented a significant drop from earlier responses.

Why it matters: the log cabin reassembly has been discussed for more than a decade and committee members said the decision touches capital priorities across Village Green projects and other city spending.

Director Rudich, the department director, told the committee that the January bidding cycle and subsequent legal concerns prompted the city attorney’s advice to rebid. "The low bid was Charette Creek Excavating," Director Rudich said, and the rebid included three add-alternates intended to cut cost by substituting manufactured stone for quarried native stone, synthetic shingles for cedar shakes and reusing existing pavers.

Committee members pressed on cost and timing. Council Member Donwell noted the logs have been in storage “10 plus years” and weather damage has made delay concerning. Council Member Borrego said the department had driven down costs and described the manufactured stone and synthetic shingles as durable, calling the bid “pretty reasonable reconstruction cost.” Several members discussed using remaining design-budget funds from Gardner Park (about $60,000 identified in the meeting) toward reassembly work.

Action and vote: Council Member Donwell moved to approve the department’s recommendation and forward legislation to City Council; the motion was seconded. The committee voted to forward the recommendation to council; the motion passed with one member opposed and no abstentions. The committee did not adopt a construction contract at the meeting — it recommended forwarding the award to City Council for final authorization.

Discussion vs. decision: the committee’s deliberations included both discussion (cost trade-offs, material choices, project priority versus other capital needs) and a formal committee recommendation to send the low-bid award to City Council. The City Council will need to authorize the actual contract award.

What’s next: the recommendation will be placed on a City Council agenda for a formal contract award and any associated legislation. The department will bring forward final contract documents and change-order clarifications for Council review.

Ending: Committee members reiterated concerns about capital priorities but said the durable materials and lower bid supported forwarding the contract award for council approval.