Council awards $8,000 rock‑wall contract and approves up to $28,000 to finish Dane's/James Park improvements

Mantua’s Town Council approved two motions on November 20 to advance work at Dane’s/James Park, awarding a rock‑wall contract and clearing funding to finish a prioritized list of park items.

The council voted to award Heavy Iron a contract for an $8,000, 120‑foot rock retaining wall and then approved a separate motion to authorize up to $28,000 to finish items on the presenters’ list, excluding the fence and the rock wall. Both measures passed by voice vote with all members saying “yes.”

Volunteer presenters described months of donated labor and a partially completed project that is stalled pending additional budget authority. One presenter said the group had prepared “the entire list so that we can finish off,” and noted an earlier deposit had affected the invoice totals. Council members examined bids for the wall and discussed material sourcing; one contractor proposal relied on rocks transported from Idaho and quoted $8,000 for the full installation, which presenters and members described as the most economical option presented.

Members also debated turf options for a playground area. Estimates for contracted outdoor turf installation ranged roughly from $6,400 to $7,900; presenters said an in‑house installation could cost roughly $7,500. Council members and volunteers agreed on sequencing: grade and install the rock wall, pour necessary concrete pads and then bring in turf in spring to avoid premature settlement. One councilor cautioned that the incoming mayor and new council may wish to weigh in, but others urged moving ahead to maintain volunteer momentum.

The council reduced the original $43,002.90 request by subtracting the approved rock‑wall amount and removing the fence from the current authorization to arrive at the approved “not to exceed” figure of $28,000 for remaining items. Council members emphasized that unused funds would not be spent automatically and that donors and volunteer labor could reduce net costs.

Quotes and attribution: Marcus (public works), who addressed grading and placement concerns, told the council that the project required careful grading and engineering to avoid settlement. A volunteer presenter said, “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into this list,” and urged the council to approve funding so spring work could proceed smoothly.

Next steps: Town staff and public‑works personnel will oversee contracting and construction sequencing. Council members indicated they will revisit fence decisions and any remaining scope items at a future meeting should additional information or bids arise.