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Ione approves Howard Park irrigation contract; council to cover shortfall from park impact fees
Summary
Council awarded the Howard Park soccer-field irrigation contract after bids exceeded the $95,000 allocation. The youth soccer league pledged $45,000; council agreed to use parks impact fees and pursue additional funding to meet the low bidder’s price and meet a December completion deadline.
The Ione City Council voted Nov. 4 to award a construction contract to replace the irrigation system at Howard Park soccer fields after bids exceeded the grant-funded allocation.
City Manager Lee told council the project originally had $95,000 allocated from a grant but the lowest responsive bid was reported in the meeting as "2.33" (as discussed during the hearing). The youth soccer organization pledged $45,000 toward the work; staff recommended using parks impact fees for the local match and pursuing additional funding sources.
"This project has to be completed before December," Lee said, stressing the time-sensitive timeline tied to grant requirements.
Council discussed local preference rules and a 10% margin that can advantage a local bidder. Members debated whether to accept a higher local bid to support local contractors. A motion was made to award the contract to the local landscaper at the adjusted price referred to in the meeting as '2.60', with the city to put up the necessary amount from parks impact fees and to pursue reimbursement or additional funds afterward. The motion passed by voice vote.
Finance staff said a budget amendment will be required at the next meeting to move funds from the parks impact-fee account (which posted a balance near $1,000,000 in the June 30 report) and noted the city can seek reimbursements or donations to replenish impact fees later. Council also asked the city manager to solicit county or regional park-impact funds and planned a thank-you letter to the soccer league for its contribution.
The contract award authorizes staff to execute the construction contract with the selected local contractor and to return to council with the required budget amendment and funding plan.
Next steps: staff will prepare a budget amendment for the next meeting, finalize contract documents, and continue fundraising outreach and county/ACRA coordination as proposed.
