Budget committee approves Park 86 engineering amendment; members seek cost breakdown, raise liquidated‑damages question

The Budget & Finance Committee on June 22 approved an amendment to the engineering agreement for Parish Project No. 23 (Park 86 Bike/Bay Country Sports Park — infield turf), while council members pressed staff for a clearer accounting of delays and costs.

Mr. Babin moved, and Mr. Amdy seconded, the resolution to approve Amendment No. 2 to the Park 86 engineering agreement. Project staff told the committee the turf work is complete and that parking/limestone components are nearly finished; the project has faced weather disruptions, material delays and occasional crew shortages.

When asked whether the parish can pursue liquidated damages, staff responded that the parish "can go after liquidated damages for the contractor" and that All South — the project administrator — is required to oversee the project if it extends beyond schedule. "We can pursue liquidated damages against the contract if we choose to go that route," a staff member said.

Members asked how many times the contract had been increased (staff said twice) and requested a breakdown of how many delay days were attributable to weather, material changes or crew availability. Council members also asked for the parish’s total expenditures on the project to date and how contributions or outside funding have been applied.

The committee voted to approve the amendment by a recorded voice vote (nine ayes). The committee then moved on to two ordinance introductions: authorization to acquire a parcel identified as Terrebone Parish partial number 26228 (appraised value discussion noted; staff said appraisal and owner input produced the current $1.1 million figure) and an amendment to the parish code to add restrictions on raising roosters; both items were introduced and advanced for public hearing.