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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – JUNE 12, 2023 8 Councilmember Fabel commented the letter of explanation states the engineer’s estimate did not adequately represent approximately construction costs. He asked if this estimate was from HR Green. Mr. Harrington reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden stated Arden Manor seems to have the significant increase, while Floral did not. She questioned why this occurred. Mr. Harrington indicated he was uncertain as to why this occurred in the bids. Councilmember Holden asked if this project would only cover the cost to install the playground equipment. Assistant Public Works Director Miller stated this also included the cost for drain tile and hard court, along with a significant amount of sand under the hard court. Mayor Grant inquired why the bid for Arden Manor was considered heavy construction. Mr. Harrington stated he was uncertain why this determination was made. He noted he could look into this further and would report back to the Council. Mayor Grant questioned if a mistake was made in the bid. Mr. Harrington suggested the Council discuss how to reduce costs at a future worksession. Mayor Grant stated hindsight was always 20/20. He indicated it may have benefited the City to bid the parks separately instead of jointly as one project. Councilmember Monson commented at the worksession when this project was discussed the Council asked HR Green how comfortable they were with the construction costs. She recalled being told she should be comfortable with the construction costs. She talked about separating specific line items out in order to put this project in a better position to be bid. She noted this discussion was dismissed and the City was now in the exact position she feared. She was disappointed this was the position the City was in. She recommended action on this item be tabled to allow further discussions to be held on the construction costs and expense of this project. It was her hope the City could find creative solutions in order to have these playgrounds completed for the community. Councilmember Holden questioned what would happen if these projects were rebid and would the bid be rewritten by HR Green. Mr. Harrington did not believe the bid documents were poorly assembled. He did not believe there were any items the contractor will have to manage that aren’t addressed in the plans and specs.