Council considers contingent approval to speed installation of Riverside Park lights and playground upgrades

Oakmont Borough’s recreation board asked the council on Nov. 3 to authorize steps that would allow installation of sports field lighting and new playground equipment at Riverside Park if outside grant funding is secured. Recreation board members said multiple vendor quotes are now in hand, a fourth quote is pending, and neighborhood outreach has produced both supporters and opponents of the lights.

Tony Lascll of the recreation board told council that one preferred vendor offered long‑term warranties and that vendors recommended a modest maintenance program to replace failed fixtures and check controls. The boosters for the adjacent school supplied a petition reported in meeting materials of roughly 314 signatures in favor, the board said. Supporters told staff the lights would let families attend evening games and improve community spirit; opponents raised concerns about traffic, light spill into nearby homes and additional policing needs.

Councilors pressed staff to firm up three items before voting: (1) the missing vendor quote (one bid was still pending), (2) a geotechnical investigation and conduit/design details so foundation and electrical costs are certain, and (3) draft contract/resolution language that makes borough commitment explicitly contingent on outside grant receipts. Staff recommended issuing an RFP for geotechnical borings and soliciting updated, all‑in quotes that include conduit and full electrical installation.

Finance and procurement questions dominated parts of the discussion. Council and staff reviewed options to use cooperative purchasing (co‑stars) to speed award versus advertising an open public bid; staff said cooperative purchasing can shorten procurement timelines but requires documenting scope and exclusions so bids are comparable. Councilors also debated contingency sizing to cover inflation and unforeseen site costs; some members recommended a conservative contingency (20% or higher) until geotech and final quotes are received.

Playground improvements were discussed alongside the lighting. Recreation staff presented a layout for a largely turf surface and ADA‑inclusive equipment (staff said vendors proposed ramps and lower‑level interactive components to improve accessibility). Staff noted that fencing and a new northern park entrance already had earlier approvals and that playground equipment and surfacing quotes appear to fit available grant dollars.

No formal motion or vote was taken at the work session. Staff said they will return with the pending vendor quote, geotechnical cost estimates and draft resolution language so the council can consider a limited contingent approval (installation authorized only if the specified outside funding is secured and contract terms are satisfied).