Fenton committee approves lime treatment and contingency use to salvage Bud Weil playground schedule

The Board of Aldermen Committee on April 9 approved a contractor request to use kiln-dried lime (Code L) and $10,029 of the project contingency to reduce soil moisture and allow compaction for the new Bud Weil Park playground.

Public Works Director Dan Howard and Doug Hicks of Byrne and Jones explained the site sits on a west‑facing slope with high-plasticity soil that retains moisture. Tests showed site moisture near 25 percent while optimal compaction moisture is about 14 percent. Byrne and Jones said they had attempted drying and turning the soil but achieved only marginal gains; one load of Code L applied in appropriate weather would reduce moisture and enable completion in under a month. The project’s contingency is $19,000 for the $500,000 project; staff noted a $56,074 credit on the project because a retaining wall was removed from the scope.

Alderwoman Susan Jokerst asked about environmental concerns; the contractor said no environmental issues were expected with kiln-dried lime and explained mitigation steps if a rain event occurred (covering the area and waiting for drying). Alderman Terry Bereitschaft asked why the soil condition was not raised earlier; staff and contractor said they had attempted other methods first. Several aldermen said they preferred doing the job right to ensure long-term stability.

Alderwoman Jokerst moved to approve the request from Byrne and Jones to use Code L for the playground; Alderman Scott Maserang seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously. The contract change will be handled through contingency funds and returned to the full Board for formal acceptance as part of contract change documentation.