City project managers told the Lake Forest Park budget committee on April 17 that construction work for the public works material bin and a nearby roundabout are facing separate but significant delays and potential cost impacts.

Councilman McGlothan reported crews discovered potentially contaminated soil while installing a stormwater drain at the material bin site. “It’s not a huge shock…we have not determined the extent. We have taken a sample, sent it off for evaluation,” McGlothan said, and added staff’s preliminary estimate for removal and remediation was “about a hundred thousand dollars,” while cautioning the total could be higher depending on lab results.

Project staff said the city will check whether recovery is available under the city’s insurance (WCIA) policy and will finalize a remediation protocol when lab results return. Staff also noted the material-bin construction had progressed rapidly before the discovery and that a schedule bump is likely while remediation is planned.

On the roundabout project, staff explained right-of-way acquisition has slipped because negotiations with multiple property owners and Seattle City Light elements took longer than expected. Katie (staff member) said appraisals were completed in August 2024 but the city did not begin formal right-of-way acquisition until January–March 2025 due to renewed negotiations; she said the project team hopes to advertise bids in May but is preparing to start condemnation for a single holdout parcel next week if necessary. “If we do decide this next week, I will…let you know,” Katie said; staff described a strategy of splitting the project so work can proceed where right-of-way is secured and only the condemnable parcel is carved out and finished later.

Committee members asked about other capital projects; staff said most projects (including Lakefront Park phase 2 and several drainage projects) are on schedule and within budget, though L90 remains delayed and utility projects (L100) will be bid for summer construction. Staff also noted coordination is under way between lift-station sewer work on Beach Drive and Lakefront Park construction to ensure timelines align.

No formal council actions were taken on the remediation or condemnation at the meeting; staff said they will return with lab results, any insurance coverage determinations, and schedule updates.