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Open Space committee debates Kataba Park cost and phasing; motion to revisit recommendation withdrawn
Summary
Members debated previously presented cost options for Kataba Park, including proposals to approve a $5.7 million phased approach to complete critical items (culvert/bridge, EPA work) now and defer other amenities. A motion to revote was seconded and then withdrawn; the committee left the item for further discussion.
Franklin Township’s Open Space Advisory Committee spent extensive time on Feb. 17 debating recommendations it had made to council for Kataba Park design and budget, but no formal change was adopted.
At issue were four previously presented options with associated scopes and costs; members recalled recommending a lower‑cost option at a prior meeting while expecting council to negotiate a higher amount. One member said the committee should revive the $5.7 million option so the project’s gully/culvert, bridge and EPA‑mandated work could proceed while other amenities are phased or rebid. The member argued that moving forward on the critical infrastructure would keep the project from stalling. The committee discussed bidding mechanics, whether a cap could be set in the bid documents and how design would be tailored to a chosen budget.
A member proposed a motion to revisit the prior recommendation and put the $5.7 million option back before the council; another member seconded. After discussion about limits on bidding and what had actually been voted on previously (the committee had recommended option four at an earlier meeting), the mover withdrew the motion and the item was left for continued discussion at a future meeting. "We made a recommendation on one of four plans that were presented to you by the design engineer," a committee member said, noting the council retains discretion to accept, alter or fund the project.
Why it matters: Kataba Park is a multi‑million‑dollar township project with several high‑cost elements (bridge, EPA remediation, cricket fields) and the committee’s recommendation could shape what elements proceed first and how municipal funds are allocated. No formal revision to the committee’s prior recommendation was adopted at this meeting; the committee plans to address the topic again in coming meetings.
