Council approves design contracts for Memorial Field concession stand; ODNR funding and county fees discussed

The Lincoln Heights Village Council voted unanimously on Feb. 12, 2024 to adopt Resolution 2024‑R‑15, authorizing contracts with McGill Smith Puncheon (MSP) for architectural and design services and with the Kliners Group for management, design and construction administration for a concession building at Memorial Field.

Presenters from Kliners and MSP reviewed the park master plan history and the proposed concession-stand concept. Sam Morton of the Kliners Group said the village had applied for state funds and was awarded 'partially' an ODNR grant of $300,000 intended to be used toward a new concession building. Randy Merrill, executive vice president at McGill Smith Puncheon, presented a conceptual design that he described as about 22 by 36 feet (roughly 441 square feet) with two sets of bathrooms, a concession area and a mechanical room sized for the park's electrical service.

Merrill gave an estimated current construction pricing range 'in the $3.80 to $4.20 a square foot range' for similar work, and council members noted that schematic design fees — about $50,000 as presented — would be reimbursable through a Hamilton County technical assistance program rather than coming from the ODNR $300,000 grant. Councilwoman Tanya Key emphasized that the resolution before council covered fees and site planning only and that additional funding would be required for full construction; she estimated, based on the rough square footage and the pricing range discussed, that total construction costs could reach roughly $500,000 and would require further funding sources.

Council and consultants also discussed other site needs: keeping the concession near existing sewer/water to control cost, replacing stolen copper from field lighting, and adding security cameras tied to the police network. Park contractor and village representatives said much of the first-phase park work is now usable for practices, though some areas hold water after heavy rain and the baseball diamond may need turf work and dragging before play. Interim Manager Michael Lemon and consultants said further design and a third‑party cost analysis would precede construction bids.

Resolution 2024‑R‑15 was amended on the floor to clarify contract signature authority and passed with a unanimous roll call; the council also adopted an emergency clause so work may proceed on the design phase immediately. Staff said design documents will be developed quickly to support subsequent funding decisions and bidding.