Council approves $3.6 million contract for Beck Park Phase 1; some members question pavilion cost

The City Council voted 6–2 on May 27 to approve a $3.6 million construction contract for phase 1 of the Beck Park expansion, while several council members urged staff to pursue cost reductions for the pavilion and to consider doing more design work in house for later phases.

Council member Suffreden moved approval of the contract with John Kino and Company Inc. and the motion was seconded; the recorded roll call showed six members voting in favor and two opposed.

Council member Kelly said she supported the project but expressed concern about the overall cost and suggested the pavilion (the shelter portion) was a relatively small fraction of the contract that might be value‑engineered. "The only part that we can value engineer at this point is just the pavilion ... it's a $3,600,000 contract we're looking at, and that's 500 and, I don't know, 520,000," she said.

City Engineer Laura Biggs told the council staff would work with the consultant and the contractor after award to identify potential cost savings and confirmed that phases 2 and 3 have not yet been designed. Biggs provided cost estimates for later phases: about $1,000,000 for phase 2 and roughly $2,280,000 for phase 3, and said phase 2 design would likely be budgeted in 2026 with construction in 2027.

Council members debating the item split at the Administration & Public Works committee; supporters said awarding phase 1 would preserve a state grant and keep the project on schedule, while opponents questioned whether more work could be performed in house or whether scope could be reduced.

Vote record (roll call): Council member Harris — aye; Council member Nussma/Nussbaum — aye; Council member Burns — aye; Council member Suffreden — no; Council member Davis — aye; Council member Rogers — aye; Council member Hedakaris — aye; Council member Kelly — no. The motion carried 6–2.