Title
Authorization for the Construction of Improvements at Northside Park (B)
This item is a request for the City Commission to approve the Guaranteed Maximum Price in the amount of $1,999,078 for the construction of improvements at Northside Park with Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC.
Explanation
The Wild Spaces & Public Places (WSPP) Program and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA) Department held two open houses in 2017, a neighborhood workshop in 2018, and conducted an online survey to gather public input and to discuss the proposed redevelopment of Northside Park. Meetings were also held with the Chain Hawks (the local disc golf club), the Racquetball Club of Gainesville, and Gainesville Petanque, as well as other key stakeholder groups to ensure that the proposed park improvements will support all user groups. The City Commission approved a budget of $2M for the Northside Park Improvement Project in April of 2018.
WSPP recommends authorizing this contract to Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC in the amount of $1,999,078 so that Northside Park can undergo a variety of improvements to include: improvements to the tennis courts; adding new pickle ball courts and racquetball courts; adding bocce ball and petanque courts; adding outdoor table games and a new outdoor terrace and tennis viewing area off the Senior Recreation Center; adding seating and a picnic pavilion; creating a continuous sidewalk and walking path surrounding the new features and connecting to the parking area; enhancements to the disc golf course; nearly 40 additional parking spaces; and the creation of a new multi-generational playground. The Northside Park improvement project is funded through the Wild Spaces & Public Places ½ cent sales tax and a grant from the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation.
Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC is one of the City’s approved construction management firms for small projects (under $2M). Scherer Construction of North Florida, LLC is a locally owned business who has experience facilitating similar projects. Their office is located less than 1 mile from Northside Park.
Fiscal Note
Funds in the amount of $1,999,078 are available for the construction of improvements at Northside Park; $1,842,041 from the Northside Park WSPP ½ cent sales tax account, and $157,037 from the Small Project/Contingency WSPP ½ cent sales tax account. Please note that a $100,000 grant from the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation will be used to reimburse the Small Project/Contingency WSPP ½ cent sales tax account once those funds are received through the Gainesville Arts & Parks Foundation.
The annual operating and maintenance cost will be approximately $82,505. This increment addresses the cost of new park lighting, staffing, equipment and supplies to support the new and improved Northside Park.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) approve the project task; and 2) authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and other necessary documents, subject to approval by the City Attorney as to form and legality.