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Council approves $48,000 amendment to Community Park master plan after debate over timing
Summary
Lewiston approved a $48,000 first amendment to the Community Park Master Plan professional services agreement with JUB Engineers to complete site design; one councilor voted no, saying the expenditure is a "want, not a need" given budget uncertainties.
The Lewiston City Council on March 10 approved a first amendment to the Community Park Master Plan professional services agreement with JUB Engineers in the amount of $48,000 to complete site design work for on-site improvements near Warner Avenue.
Community Development Director and interim Parks Director Shannon Grohl described the amendment as necessary to design site improvements — lighting, court surfaces, slopes and electrical systems — to allow installation of fitness and play equipment the city has purchased. "This is to design the site...We already have half the equipment for it, if not more than half," Grohl said during council discussion.
Councilor Spickelmeyer opposed the amendment during debate, calling it "a want and not a need" and urging caution given current financial challenges. "I just don't think this is the time to be spending money on wants, when we have a lot of needs waiting in line for a budget," Spickelmeyer said. Other councilors argued the project had been delayed and staff had worked to resolve land and grant issues; they said moving forward on design would allow the city to spend equipment dollars already purchased.
Councilors discussed funding sources. Grohl said the amendment would be paid from the assigned building fund and not from bond proceeds. Councilor Wright asked whether that fund also supports other facilities work such as HVAC and roof replacements; Grohl confirmed it does.
The motion to approve the amendment was moved by Councilor Schroeder and seconded by Councilor Forsman. The vote passed on a roll call with a single recorded nay from Councilor Spickelmeyer and ayes from Council President Klieberg, Councilor Wright, Councilor Forsman, Councilor Schroeder and Councilor Klein.
Staff said this amendment covers design only; construction costs will come before council as a separate action later in the process. Grohl noted the project has been delayed for years in part by land-use and grant coordination and that the city already owns a significant portion of the equipment intended for the site.
