Waynesville approves John Bergen contract for Vance ballfields and establishes project budgets for parks

Councilors voted Jan. 13 to move ahead on multiple recreation projects after staff presented bid results and proposed budgets.

For the Vance Recreation Park ballfields, staff recommended awarding the base construction contract to John Bergen Construction in the amount of $154,085 to complete infield and T‑ball field work. "We recommend going with him in the process of a $154,085," a staff presenter said. Council approved the contract and established an overall project budget of up to $700,000 to cover fencing, lighting, scoreboards, bleachers and contingencies. Staff said the town will pursue FEMA reimbursement for eligible expenses.

On the dog‑park proposal, staff presented a concept and engineer estimate: base construction around $275,000, fencing estimated near $40,000, perimeter lighting about $60,000 and other amenities; staff requested authority to establish an overall project budget of $430,007.41 so it can go to bid. Council member questions focused on cost and whether the town should seek county contributions or phase nonessential amenities. One councilor said the figure is a "tough pill to swallow" and emphasized the authorization is a planning step rather than immediate spending.

Staff said the dog‑park plan aims to relocate the facility out of floodplain areas to avoid repeated storm damage and that grants (Helene GRAMA, TDA) and FEMA reimbursements could substantially reduce net town investment. Council approved establishing the budget to allow staff to solicit bids and pursue grants; staff may return with phased scopes if bids exceed estimates.

Both park items passed on voice votes; staff said they will update the council as procurement and grant requests proceed.