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St. John directs McAlpine Consulting to advertise bids for Prairie West Park parking expansion after soil concerns discussed
Summary
The council unanimously directed McAlpine Consulting to advertise for bids to expand the Prairie West Park parking lot but debated past soil remediation costs and grant requirements; councilmembers requested plans and specifications prior to advertisement.
The St. John Town Council voted unanimously on May 14 to direct Adam McAlpine Consulting Inc. to advertise for bids to expand the Prairie West Park parking lot, after questions about prior soil borings and cost increases.
Councilmembers discussed earlier engineering work that showed peat and questionable soils at the park; one member recalled a previous project where soil remediation nearly doubled the cost. Council members emphasized the need to confirm soil suitability and review bid specifications before advertisement. "I just wanted to point out, I think we need to make sure that that soil is gonna be satisfactory," one councilmember said.
Town staff and representatives said McAlpine is an engineering firm and that necessary plans and specifications are being prepared; a councilmember requested to review the specifications before they go out to bid. Town Manager Billy confirmed that staff will provide requested documents.
Council members also noted that using certain grants previously led to more stringent requirements and higher costs; one councilmember said taking the project outside a grant could reduce added compliance burdens. The motion to advertise for bids carried 5 to 0.
The decision directs the engineering consultant to prepare and publish bid documents; council indicated it expects soil tests or reports and the draft bid package to be available for review prior to solicitation.
