Evansville parks board approves multiple projects, seeks bids for zoo security

The Evansville Board of Parks Commissioners on Feb. 19 approved permits and contracts to advance several park projects, authorized staff to seek proposals for daily security at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden and approved renovations and plantings at Wesselman Woods and other park properties.

The board voted to ask the city purchasing office to solicit quotes for daily zoo security services, authorizing staff to begin the formal procurement process required for purchases over $50,000. "With the city purchasing process, any item or service over $50,000, the first step in the process is getting approval from the board to seek quotes," said Eric Beck, executive director of Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden. He said the zoo maintains on-site security year-round and that the board’s approval will allow staff to update pricing and return with proposals.

The board also approved a first amendment to the construction agreement with Garmon Construction for Next Level Trails Phase 1 to clarify retainage language. Paul Balsman, deputy director of parks and recreation, said the amendment corrects an inconsistency in the contract’s retainage…