Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Playground Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves Raices playground plan, will send recommendation to purchasing board
Summary
The committee selected the community-preferred playground option for Raices, approved a motion to move forward, and instructed staff to submit a memo and purchasing-board recommendation with a goal of substantial completion by June 30 for reimbursement timing.
The Central Falls School Building Committee voted to approve a motion supporting the community-selected playground design for Raices and directed staff to prepare a memo and a purchasing-board recommendation to secure funding and a vendor.
Committee members said the city issued an RFP for Raices playground work; six firms submitted bids after a well-attended pre-bid meeting. The Raices principal, Alyssa, met with parents, students and staff to reach consensus on preferred equipment. The bid structure presented to the committee had one price for equipment and installation, and alternates for surfacing: engineered wood fiber with matting, engineered wood fiber without matting, turf, and pour-in-place rubber (the committee referred to “port in place rubber”). Committee members noted pour-in-place rubber has superior aesthetics and durability but is substantially more expensive.
Staff said the project cap for the playground was $150,000; using pour-in-place rubber would exceed that cap by roughly $32,000 (bringing the total to about $182,000). The city indicated it is willing to front funds (previously committed amounts up to $50,000 and willing to increase to $100,000) to help close the gap; staff said the next formal step is to take a recommendation to the purchasing board. The goal is to have substantial completion by June 30 so the city can meet reimbursement timing in September and March.
Some members raised fiscal concerns because Raices is expected to be decommissioned at some point and control of the Robertson building would return to the city; that history influenced some voices recommending caution about large capital spending on a soon-to-be-transferred site. Staff said the city had various perspectives and that financial approval would be made from the purchasing and mayor’s offices.
Motion and next steps: Committee member Matt moved to approve a motion in support of the community-selected playground option; Jim seconded. The motion carried (all in favor; no oppositions recorded on the transcript). Staff will prepare a memo and submit the purchasing-board recommendation within roughly 48 hours and expected an answer by midweek. The purchasing board and procurement timelines will determine final award and schedule.
