Council approves surveys, appraisals and $511,600 consultant contract tied to Patton Lake Park project

Tuscaloosa City Council approved multiple professional services contracts to support property subdivision, appraisal and the preliminary-to-construction design work for Patton Lake Park and other city-owned parcels on the east side of Lake Tuscaloosa. Council authorized a survey and mapping contract with Duncan and Coker Associates (not-to-exceed $27,500) and recommended retaining an appraiser at up to $20,000 so the city can record a subdivision and proceed with potential property transfer or disposal.

On the Patton Lake Park site, staff said the city will retain McGifford and Associates for a boundary survey at a cost of $8,400 to enable appraisal and acquisition steps. Council also approved a professional services agreement with Skoll Engineering Company for design, final design, bid and construction-phase services for the Patton Lake Park project at $511,627.50. Staff said the council previously budgeted roughly $2,000,000 for the overall park project as part of the capital plan.

In presenting the contracts, a staff presenter said the survey is needed so the appraiser can evaluate acreage and establish fair market value; staff estimated the subject track at roughly 30–40 acres. A council member asked about timing; staff estimated surveys taking two to three weeks and appraisal work to be completed within approximately 60 days after the survey.

Council approved the contracts to move the Patton Lake Park project forward and to complete the mapping and appraisal steps required before property disposition or park design procurement.