Bettendorf — The City Council on Dec. 2 unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a professional services agreement to complete a feasibility study for Forest Grove Park, moving the project into a consultant phase after questions about cost and selection.

John Burns, Bettendorf’s parks and recreation director, told the council the city solicited proposals and interviewed four firms, recommending the consultant listed in the materials. "We don't wanna go any longer than 6 months. My goal is 4 months," Burns said, describing the study's scope: testing potential uses, estimating capital and operating costs, and producing a cost opinion to show what the city might need to subsidize in ongoing operations.

The resolution — introduced by Council member Frank Baden — authorizes a professional services agreement with the firm named in the packet. Council member Adamson objected to the procurement and the price, saying, "A $100,000 seems like an awful lot of money," and questioned the selection process. Several council members pressed for clearer deliverables and for staff to provide better cost estimates on future projects.

Other council members urged moving forward. Council member Greg Jager noted the study had been discussed during prior council goal-setting and said he would vote for the resolution. Council member Palczynski said the site could "become a flagship park" and that an initial investment would help set strategy for the property. Council member Brown supported proceeding while noting concerns over identified buildings and deliverables.

Burns said the study will include public input and council work sessions: "Council will be included in multiple work sessions throughout the feasibility study," and the city will form an advisory committee to guide the process. Burns said a draft of the contract was available in the council packet and that staff would provide the document to members who requested it.

After discussion, the clerk conducted a roll-call vote; the council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution and move the feasibility study forward. The council did not specify a final funding source during the meeting; estimates and ongoing operating cost implications will appear in the study's cost opinion.