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Council authorizes $200,000 for marina final design; councilors ask how to pay for construction
Summary
Council approved up to $200,000 for final engineering design of the marina project and instructed staff to return with construction cost estimates and funding options; councilors noted existing marina enterprise reserves of about $400,000 but said construction could run into the millions.
Grosse Pointe Park — Council authorized final design work for the city marina on June 8, approving a proposal by consulting firm Avan Marsh (presentation led by Scott Mlank and Corey Condo) for up to $200,000 to complete final plans, obtain permits and prepare the project for bidding.
What the design phase covers: Consultants described scope that includes demolition and selective pile replacement, extending and reconfiguring docks, new dock framing and utilities along piers, and a new sheet‑pile seawall along the shoreline. The final design phase is intended to produce permit‑ready documents and realistic construction estimates.
Cost context and reserves: Staff said the marina enterprise fund currently holds roughly $385,000–$400,000 in reserves. Consultants and council members discussed construction‑phase costs in broad terms; preliminary comments in the meeting placed potential construction in the multi‑million‑dollar range (examples discussed in prior meetings ranged from several million up to $5–6 million depending on options). Council members cautioned that approving design services now commits the city to an expensive next step and asked staff to remove or postpone construction administration authorization until after the city has bids and a funding plan.
Council action and conditions: Council approved the design phase authorization and refined the motion so that construction administration would be considered separately once the city had clearer cost estimates and a funding plan. Staff noted the design work is needed to produce accurate construction costs so council can evaluate bonds, phased construction or other funding approaches.
Schedule: Consultants said final design could be completed in the fall with bidding possible late in the calendar year; council members asked staff to return with funding options before any commitment to construction administration or contract awards.
Quote: “Once we get a contractor in place we know who it is — we can tailor [construction administration fees] more,” one council member said. The firm’s presentation reiterated a phased approach: complete final design, obtain permits and then go to bid.
Next steps: Staff will complete design work, present refined construction cost estimates and propose funding options (bonding, enterprise funding, grants or phased construction). Council members asked for a separate vote on construction administration and a clear analysis of whether the seawall and other components qualify for enterprise funding versus general fund or grant sources.
