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Fairhope staff asks council to fast-track award for James P. Nicks Promenade repairs
Summary
Staff reported returned bids for repairs to the James P. Nicks Promenade at the Nick Center, described ongoing settlement and a developing safety concern with railing and structure, and asked council to 'walk on' an award so work can begin during a scheduled facility shutdown; council indicated informal consensus to do so.
Richard Johnson (city staff representative) told the June 29 work session that bids have been received for repair of the James P. Nicks Promenade at the Nick Center and that staff is satisfied with the responses. He said the project was not fully budgeted in the current year — roughly $110,000 has been identified in the existing budget but that leaves a shortfall of a little more than $60,000.
Johnson characterized the condition as long-term settlement that "has gotten to the point where it's become a safety issue with the railing and a structural issue as well." He said engineers recommended a solution that includes helical pilings and a full perimeter railing replacement to bring the promenade up to code and restore safe public use.
Because restroom reconstruction requires a short shutdown window after Independence Day, Johnson asked council to consider awarding the contract immediately (a so-called "walk on" award) so the contractor could mobilize early and the two projects could be coordinated to limit downtime. He said staff had reduced bookings at the Nick Center for 60 days to accommodate construction and that the contractor is ready to proceed.
Council members pressed staff on funding sources; staff said staff had identified capital-improvement funds to reassign and was working to cover the ~$60,000 gap. Council members voiced support for moving efficiently; one member said they had "no issue wanting to walk this on." There was no formal roll-call vote during the work session; council discussion indicated informal agreement to expedite the award and return for formal approval at the council meeting.
Ending: Staff will proceed with contract award paperwork per council direction and return the formal award/contract to the council for ratification at the next business meeting.
