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Port Clinton council authorizes splash pad at Waterworks Park, waives bidding and emergency readings
Summary
Port Clinton City Council unanimously waived formal bidding and adopted Ordinance 25-25 to authorize Sourcewell to contract with Landscape Structures Inc. for a splash pad at Waterworks Park; council retained the emergency clause and voted 7-0 to adopt. Funding sources cited include ODNR, the Park District and private contribution; the city share was not specified.
Port Clinton City Council voted unanimously Sept. 9 to authorize the purchase and installation of a splash pad at Waterworks Park, approving Ordinance 25-25 and permitting the Director of Safety and Service to use Sourcewell to contract with Landscape Structures Inc.
The council first voted 7-0 to waive the three-reading rule, then 7-0 to retain the ordinance's emergency clause, and finally 7-0 to adopt the ordinance authorizing the contract. Jerry Tarolli moved to waive the readings and later moved adoption; Pat Hovis seconded the motions.
Why it matters: The splash pad is intended as a new recreational amenity for downtown Port Clinton and is scheduled to begin this year. The purchase route—using Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing program—allows the city to use a pre-negotiated contract rather than a separate local bidding process.
Gabe Below, the city auditor who reviewed the procurement approach, told council that the selected vendor is on a State Schedule (a list of pre-approved contracts under Ohio law) and that municipalities often procure items this way. "This is the best rate / fee below retail," Below said. Council members asked why the city would not solicit separate bids; Below answered that the state schedule provides pricing and terms that the city can accept.
Funding sources mentioned in the meeting were: a Nature Works Grant (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) of $30,000; a grant from the Park District of Ottawa County of $45,000; and a $100,000 private community pledge. When asked what the city's share would be, Below said the city would be responsible for amounts over $500,000; the precise city contribution amount was not specified in the meeting record.
The ordinance directs the Director of Safety and Service to enter into the contract on the city's behalf. Council members were told a brief presentation showing the splash pad design will be presented at the Sept. 23 council meeting.
The council meeting record does not detail construction timelines, the total project budget, or a final city cost figure; those items are to be clarified in follow-up reports and the Sept. 23 presentation.
