Committee approves amended TID funding for Civic Center Park after higher-than-expected bid

The Finance & Personnel Committee on Sept. 3 approved an amended appropriation of TID funds for the Civic Center Park project after staff reported a single bid had come in much higher than earlier estimates.

Director Train told the committee the project went out to bid and returned one bid from Fowler Hammer that was “way over” previous cost assumptions, and that construction costs have risen since the project was assembled three to four years ago. Council member Newberry pointed out the approved amount initially was $450,000 and that the current request increased that sum to $815,000; Director Train confirmed the figures. Council member Newberry said she would vote no to keep the item off next week’s consent agenda to allow further information gathering; the motion ultimately passed 5–1.

Council members discussed whether scope could be pared back to lower costs and whether funds could be reallocated among TIDs. Director Train said staff could value-engineer elements but could not do substantive design reductions until after award. Council member Calo urged keeping dollars in or near the originating TID because “that was why the TID was created” and emphasized the park’s importance as a river-to-downtown connection.

The committee also considered two amendments (one reflected as Amendment #2 in the file). Director Train confirmed parks, finance and planning reviewed shifting some amounts from TID 11 to TID 17 to ensure cushion across TIDs. The amended appropriation was approved 5–1; Council member Newberry cast the lone dissenting vote. The committee did not vote to delay awarding pending additional bids.