Saint John board corrects Gates Park contract amount, approves cut to consultant fee

The Saint John Park and Recreation Board on March 17 corrected the construction contract amount for the Gates Park Pavilion and approved a reduced consulting fee for the pavilion and permanent restroom project.

Chair opened new-business agenda items by asking the board to approve an updated contract total. Staff explained the previously posted amount contained a clerical error and that the corrected total for the Grimmer construction agreement is $633,861. "That was the error in the scribe on our end," the staff member said. A motion to correct the contract amount was moved, seconded and approved by a 3-0 vote.

The board then considered SEH change order No. 1, which reduces the consultant fee for the Gates Park pavilion and permanent restroom project from $76,050 to $71,500. The staff member clarified the reduction does not remove the restroom work from the project and that the change reflects a negotiated lower consulting rate. A board member made the motion to approve the change order; it was seconded and carried 3-0.

The votes were recorded as unanimous (3-0) on both items. No amendments or conditions were added on the floor; staff indicated the scope of construction and restrooms remains as previously authorized. The board did not solicit public comment on these items during the meeting.

The contracts approved move the Gates Park pavilion and restroom project forward under the corrected budget line and with the lower consulting fee. Staff will follow through on contract documentation and next procurement or construction steps.