Council approves contract for Romer Park Pickleball Phase 3 after low bid

Washington Terrace City Council approved a construction contract for phase 3 of the Romer Park pickleball project on July 1, awarding the work to Merrill Sheriff Construction Inc. by voice vote.

The council voted to approve the contract after staff presented bid results and funding details. Jake (staff member), who prepared the staff report, told the council the project went to bid on June 26 and the low bid was submitted by MSCI. He said phase 3 will include a restroom building, seating and tables, shade structures, and a play area with a climbing feature, large boulders and slack lines. Jake said RAMP has committed $500,000 to the overall project and roughly $391,000 will come from city funds, producing a total project budget of $891,937. "We have the option to expand the scope of the project and add in some of phase 4," Jake said, noting potential additions such as the dog park, additional sidewalks and trees.

Council members asked about scope, grant requirements and possible uses for any remaining funds. Cheryl (council member) asked whether the city must meet its matching portion to secure the RAMP grant; Jake said staff would coordinate with Carlos (staff member) to confirm the grant requirements. Jill (council member) asked whether the bid coming in below the engineer's estimate meant there would be money to add work; Jake said the city could consider a change order to expand scope and that any additions would be brought back to council.

Council discussion also raised safety improvements: one council member urged adding lighting along the north parking lot and down by the ball fields and suggested dark-sky fixtures and possible camera placement; staff said they would evaluate impacts on nearby residents and the route of available power. Staff clarified playground equipment, shade structures and tables are procured separately by the city and the contractor will install them; those items are not in the contract amount.

At the meeting Mayor Allen called for the voice vote on the motion to approve the contract for phase 3 to Merrill Sheriff Construction Inc.; council members responded "aye" and the motion carried.

The council directed staff to return with details about (1) whether expanding phase 3 or incorporating elements of phase 4 would comply with the RAMP grant geographic requirements and (2) options for using any savings from the lower bid for targeted safety improvements. Any scope additions would require a formal change order and subsequent council approval.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve construction contract for Romer Park Pickleball Phase 3 to Merrill Sheriff Construction Inc., contract amount stated in the meeting: $224,255. Outcome: approved by voice vote.

The council adjourned the item after staff agreed to bring back a recommendation on possible scope additions and lighting options.