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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL—APRIL 30, 2012 10 Mayor Grant supported the park shelter and half court basketball court. He asked if the Council was in favor of purchasing park benches and trash receptacles with our annual park amenity purchases. Councilmember Tamble and Councilmember Holmes agreed with this.recommendation. Councilmember Werner stated these park benches would be adequate. Councilmember Werner questioned if the park shelter would be available to the public on a first come first serve basis or if it had to be reserved. Parks and Recreation Manager Olson indicated there would be a rental fee to reserve the picnic area. Councilmember Holmes requested further information on the new elevation of the park. Public Works Director Maurer discussed this matter in detail with the Council stating the new grading would raise the park to allow for water to drain naturally. He reviewed how water would drain through the park in a large storm event. Councilmember Tamble noted there was a discrepancy between the original budgeted amount for the park reconstruction and the actual cost for reconstruction. Public Works Director Maurer stated the original CIP line item was for $310,000 with $50,000 estimated for the play structure and $260,000 from surface management for grading. This expense was estimated back in 2009. An estimate from the consultants in 2012 was over$500,000. Councilmember Holmes asked if the stormwater ponds would be lower than their current elevation. Public Works Director Maurer stated the base of the stormwater pond would actually be raised slightly to be above the elevation of Valentine Lake. This would assist with keeping the area more dry. Councilmember Tamble questioned the expense of maintaining the rain garden, over time. Public Works Director Maurer explained the rain garden would be mulched and prepared by the contractor. The site would then be planted and maintained by City staff. He anticipated that larger plants would be purchased to assure it is well maintained. Councilmember Holmes inquired if the bituminous trail from the parking lot to Crystal Avenue could be eliminated. Public Works Director Maurer commented the majority of the residents using this park, walk to and from the park. He noted the trail could be added at a future date if the Council wanted to reduce the expense by another $8,900. The proposed trail was ADA accessible. Mayor Grant was in favor of the trail remaining to assist the residents in reaching the park safely. MOTION: Councilmember Holmes moved and Councilmember Tamble seconded a motion to award the Valentine Park Improvement bid to Interstate Companies in the amount of $321,757 as the lowest responsible bidder, with the trail segment remaining from the parking lot to Crystal Avenue; and authorize the purchase from the State contract vendor for all amenities discussed, with the play structure/swing set and picnic shelter being the less