Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves architectural contract as Ferris Street park project advances; costs estimated up to $2.9 million
Summary
The council authorized the mayor to sign an agreement with Dale Partners Architect PA to produce construction documents and oversee construction administration for a planned community park across from the convention center; preliminary budget estimates range from $2.4 million to $2.9 million and funding is partly committed.
The Jackson City Council on Feb. 5 authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with Dale Partners Architect PA for architectural and engineering services for the Ferris Street community park project, described on the record as a development across from the convention center.
Council discussion centered on scope, cost and revenue expectations. A project presenter described the contract as covering construction documents and construction administration; separate bids for general contractors would follow. "This is the community park development across the street from the convention center that I presented to you all... This is just us moving forward to the next steps," the presenter said.
The presenter and councilmembers discussed the project budget and funding. The project was described on the record as budgeted at $2,900,000 in a high estimate and $2.4 million as the lowest estimate. Council funding already committed included $1.5 million from council allocations and about $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) dollars; the remainder would require further financing or cost reductions. "Right now, it's being budgeted at 2,900,000... The lowest estimate was 2.4. But I'm gonna tell you the worst case scenario is 2.9," the presenter said.
Councilmembers also asked about revenue and operations. The presenter said estimated park rental revenue is $800,000 per year based on convention center rates and demand and that the convention center would manage bookings. Under the proposed revenue-sharing arrangement discussed on the record, the convention center would retain 30% of revenues and the city would retain 70%.
The motion to authorize architectural services carried on a recorded vote: 3 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention. The council did not finalize construction contracting or full project financing during the meeting; staff said additional work is required to refine costs and pursue remaining funding.
