City warns library and other capital projects could exceed budgets; staff outlines tighter controls and phased delivery

Casey Art, the city's director of capital projects, told the council at the May 14 study session that the city's 10‑year capital improvement program includes more than $300 million in candidate projects and that current market conditions raise the risk some projects — notably the planned Park View library — may cost more than originally budgeted.

"Cost estimates indicate escalation in atypical market conditions ... that could result in a project cost exceeding the $30 million threshold," Art said, explaining the $30 million figure was set a year earlier and that material, labor and regional procurement pressures (including Olympic‑era demand) are driving higher prices.

Staff said the Park View building demolition is complete and an RFP process for design and construction procurement is underway, with final consultant selection anticipated in June and council award expected in July. Councilmembers expressed concern that a $30 million cap may be insufficient and asked staff to return with clear options.

To manage escalation and deliver projects responsibly, Art outlined several procedural safeguards: regular cost monitoring and estimate updates tied to current market conditions; strict scope discipline to avoid unnecessary expansion; strategic cash‑flow forecasting with finance; contingency management based on project risk; life‑cycle cost reviews to limit long‑term maintenance burdens; and value engineering to retain outcomes while reducing price. He also said staff will present phased delivery options for Dave Irwin Park at an upcoming May 28 study session.

The capital portfolio list also includes near‑term work on street rehabilitation (Cook Street and Monterey Avenue), completion of fire station 102 (temporary occupancy anticipated in August), and design work for fire stations 33 and 71 with CalFire coordination. Staff said they will actively pursue additional funding and bring council decision points forward when funding gaps or delivery options require policy choices.

The council asked staff to continue exploring grant and financing strategies and to return with clear budget and scope options to keep high‑priority projects moving without exposing the general fund to unanticipated risks.