The Gardner City Economic Community Development Committee heard an update Friday on work and an investigation at Mackay Park, and voted to ask Director Stevens to present a project packet to the city council’s second December meeting.

Director Stevens told the committee that change order No. 5 is pending and that "the ramp as of now has been completed and all we are waiting on is again the the railings, to be installed." He said the project remains on track for the contractor to be ready for final payment processing by Dec. 12, weather permitting for the railing installation.

Why it matters: The update addressed prior compliance questions, a 2024 notice of violation and community concern about how the project was permitted and executed. Stevens said the city’s engineering consultant Tyne Bond provided recommendations during an early investigation and that the building permit was filed Nov. 3 with construction beginning Nov. 5.

Details from the presentation: Stevens summarized the recent scope of work, including installation of about 66 linear feet of railing across one ramp landing and a 10-foot section near the parking lot, site preparation and grading, removal of stone dust from terraces, transplanting shrubs, and roughly 228 square feet (plus or minus) of concrete ramp and landing. He also said plans include a wheelchair-accessible round sycamore picnic table. Stevens told the committee he will compile a full packet that documents funding sources and all construction files for submission to city council once final payment is submitted.

Committee response and scheduling: Committee members praised staff for transparency and thoroughness, noting the ramp appears ADA-compliant and the concrete work is finished. President Tyre and other members said the timing lines up for a report at the second December council meeting and asked staff to be prepared to answer questions. Stevens confirmed he would present the closeout and related documentation.

Formal action: A motion to recommend that Director Stevens provide an update and present the Mackay Park project packet to the full city council at the committee’s second December meeting was made, seconded by Council Krasinski and approved by voice vote. The clerk recorded the motion being made by the president and seconded by Council Krasinski; the transcript records 'aye' responses and the chair announced the motion passes.

Next steps: Director Stevens will prepare the consolidated packet documenting the construction timeline, permits, the 2024 notice of violation response and funding details for the city council meeting in December. The committee also discussed a possible staffing update at the next committee meeting.

(Reporting based on the committee transcript. Individual councilor roll-call names were read at the meeting but the transcript records the follow-up motions and a voice vote rather than a roll-call vote.)