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Makerspace bids top budget; council asks staff to negotiate alternates with low bidder
Summary
Parks staff reported five bids for a makerspace came in above the allocated budget; council asked staff to reengage the low bidder to explore alternates (flooring, pit configuration, HVAC, roof, seating) to preserve functionality while lowering cost or increasing flexibility.
Miss Mattson, the parks presenter, told council the makerspace phase‑1 construction bids exceeded the project's allocated budget: “We did get 5 bids for this round of bidding... However, it was above the allocated budget for this project,” she said, and offered a list of proposed reallocations and scope options.
Several council members urged staff to reengage the low bidder to explore alternatives that could reduce cost or improve long‑term flexibility—options discussed included raising rather than sinking the pit area to make the space multi‑purpose, alternative roof and HVAC approaches, and flexible rather than permanent seating. One council member said the goal was not simply to cut cost but to "deliver as good, if not a better end product, but at a lower cost," and staff replied they would take those ideas to the low bidder and bring options back to the next work session. Staff cautioned that some alternates could increase short‑term cost while delivering long‑term flexibility and that any change would be reported to council prior to contract award.
Direction given: council empowered parks staff (ERCA) to negotiate scope alternates with the low bidder and to return with a shortlist of value options and cost estimates for council review.
