Warren Field park improvements finished; CDBG grant covered most costs, staff reports small overrun

Parks staff told council the Warren Field Community Development Block Grant project is essentially complete and that a $325,000 award, combined with an $80,000 city contribution, funded curb, gutter, stormwater, sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, ADA access and playground upgrades.

Robbie Quinn, parks planner, said the grant award came in August 2024, the contract was awarded May 6 and substantial completion occurred July 18, with the contractor finishing about a week and a half early. Quinn presented photos showing before‑and‑after conditions, noted retention of several large oak trees through design choices, and described added parking and pedestrian improvements adjacent to the park.

Quinn reported a net budget increase of about 2.8 percent driven by a nearly $10,000 construction change order — attributed to additional trenching depth required by Avista, relocation adjustments for fiber/utility boxes, extra asphalt/base work and an ADA grade correction — and a small design overrun largely tied to grant‑related consultant requirements (interviews and compliance tasks). The city contributed $80,000 to the project, and the remaining overage was covered from parks construction funds.

Council raised questions about the usability of back‑in angle parking and whether signage or enforcement would improve compliance. Staff said the layout is expected to improve efficiency and that enforcement of overnight parking and trailers may need to be addressed separately, acknowledging enforcement impacts for the police department.

No action was required; the hearing was informational under the city’s public‑participation plan.