City council approves $11.75 million design‑build contract for Krug Park after public questions about selection process

The Saint Joseph City Council voted 7–0 to approve a lump‑sum design‑build contract with E.L. Crawford Construction Inc. for the renovation of Krug Park, with the proposed contract price listed at $11,750,000.

The decision followed public comment from resident Jim Whitinger, who questioned how the city narrowed eight bidders to two finalists and why E.L. Crawford was selected over the other finalist, Leer Construction. Whitinger urged that prior public input gathered during the park planning process be carried forward rather than discarded.

City staff said the city first hired West State (the criteria consultant) to gather public input and define the evaluation criteria. According to staff, the municipality then issued a request for qualifications (RFQ); eight contractors responded, the city selected two finalists (Leer and E.L. Crawford) to submit proposals, and an evaluation team of parks and engineering staff (with input from historic preservation) scored the final proposals against seven or eight numeric criteria. Staff said that, in government design‑build procurements, finalists often submit similar prices and the evaluation therefore emphasizes the quality of the proposed final product.

Staff also described project finances. West State’s initial work, staff said, cost a little over $665,000. The proposed E.L. Crawford contract is $11,750,000; staff told the council that the selection would leave a remainder (approximately $1,375,000) for staff‑performed elements and change orders to address unanticipated needs as the project proceeds. Staff added that a parks project manager and the city’s engineering and project management team will provide oversight during construction.

Council members asked about evaluation criteria, the role of staff in the review, and how the city will ensure public input continues to shape the park’s design. Staff replied that each member of the evaluation team ranked proposals numerically and that parks staff, engineering and historic preservation participated in the review; they said neither the mayor nor council individually set the ranking scores but that any agenda item is reviewed before it reaches the council.

Whitinger told the council he welcomed a qualified, local contractor but asked the body to ensure the public process and documented input are reflected in the final work. Mayor John Josendale and city staff said West State’s public outreach and materials will inform the contractor’s work going forward.

The council approved the contract as presented. The resolution instructs city staff to proceed with the design‑build contract; additional change orders or scope changes will be subject to project controls and future council review as required.

Next steps: staff will begin contract execution and project oversight; the council did not amend or delay the award during the meeting.