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After debate over cost and process, Bettendorf council approves $100,000 Forest Grove Park feasibility study
Summary
The Bettendorf City Council unanimously approved a $100,000 professional services agreement to fund a feasibility study for Forest Grove Park after council members questioned the selection process and deliverables; staff said the study should conclude within four to six months.
The Bettendorf City Council voted unanimously Dec. 2 to approve a professional services agreement to complete a feasibility study for Forest Grove Park, approving the contract despite debate over the selection process and the study’s $100,000 price tag.
John Burns, the city’s parks and recreation director, told council staff interviewed four firms after issuing a request and recommended Shive Hatterley Incorporated (the resolution names Shive Hatterley Incorporated). Burns said the study will test specific ideas for the site, identify what the public and council want, and produce cost opinions that include both capital and ongoing operating costs.
"We don't wanna go any longer than 6 months. My goal is 4 months," Burns said when asked about the project timeline. He said the study will include an advisory committee and multiple council work sessions and that staff will return to council with cost and programming options.
Several council members said they were uncomfortable with the process and the price. Council member Adamson criticized the selection method and called the $100,000 fee excessive: "I do not support us spending a $100,000 for this study," he said. Others — including Council member Jaeger, who said the feasibility study was discussed and approved during council goal‑setting — nonetheless supported moving forward with oversight and clearer deliverables.
Council members also asked staff to specify deliverables and to avoid repeating past studies that were not followed by action. Council member Baden urged that the study not be shelved on a desk and said he did not want the project to replicate an earlier parks study that he said gathered dust.
After the discussion, the council approved the resolution by roll call. Burns was instructed to proceed with the study and to involve council in multiple stages as promised.
Resolution language introduced at the meeting names the professional services agreement with Shive Hatterley Incorporated for completion of the Forest Grove Park feasibility study.
