Council backs West 8 design path for Krug Park after amendment to preserve council oversight

The Saint Joseph City Council voted to express support for the West 8 design path for Krug Park and adopted an amendment requiring that the City Council approve the design bid request for proposal by resolution before issuance of the design-build bid package.

Max Ginther, a resident who participated in the community survey and a public meeting, told the council the proposed design "captures a spirit" the community wants and urged the process move to the next stage. Terry Turbac, speaking for Friends of Croke Park, asked the council to honor promises made when voters approved the parks tax, noting some elements in the current design differ from the project list given to the public and urging that items not on the original parks-tax list be funded separately.

Council member Davis moved to add a new Section 3 requiring the council to approve the design bid RFP by resolution before the city issues the design-build bid package. The amendment passed on a recorded voice vote and the resolution, as amended, was adopted by the council.

Council members and public speakers emphasized continued public engagement and additional review during the design refinement process, with several members urging the council and staff to keep stakeholders involved as details are finalized.

The resolution advances the design process while adding an explicit step of council approval before moving to the construction bidding stage.