09-09-24-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION— SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 2 Bryce Shearen pointed to the survey results included in the agenda packet. He stated that the open house was well attended. They wanted to capture as many opinions as possible so the survey was provided online for residents who couldn't attend the open house. Bryce Shearen discussed the survey results for Arden Oaks Park. He said Option 1 had the greatest number of votes. It is the larger structure. The color palette was Option 5. Bryce Shearen said the survey respondents selected Option 4 for Freeway Park had Option 4 had the greatest number of votes. Option 5 was the chosen color palette, for this park, as well. Bryce Shearen noted there was some discussion regarding the parks looking a little different. Selecting the second color choice for one of the play structures may be an option. Bryce Shearen discussed the cost. He said these play structures can be purchased using competitive purchasing agreements to receive a discounted price. He showed the difference between the retail cost and the cost with competitive purchasing agreement. MWP also offers grants. He showed the prices of each park, after discounts and if the City applied for the grant and were awarded the maximum grant amount. There is no guarantee that a grant will be awarded, but with Council direction, they will get started on the application process. He said the grant amount is capped and they are awarded on a first come, first served basis. Mayor Grant asked when the grant application opens. Bryce Shearen said the grant opened at the beginning of August and will close in the middle of October or when funds run out. Councilmember Holden recalled the City received a grant from a playground vendor. She thinks typically they quote you expensive cost and then give you 30% off. Bryce Shearen confirmed. He said if the grant is not approved or we don't receive enough funds, we would deny the grant and buy the equipment through the purchasing contract. He said there are still a lot of moving pieces with both of these projects. Narrowing down these details will help the projects to continue moving forward. Future discussions will include ADA access, adding trails and a possible fence or barrier. Councilmember Monson noted the budget is $150,000 for the playground structure. She looked at Freeway Park. She noted that if we went with Option 4, through St. Croix Rec, we'd be there. She asked for confirmation that there's no grant option for that one. Bryce Shearen confirmed. The purchase would be made through the state purchasing contract. Councilmember Monson asked if MWP offered Option 4. Bryce Shearen said no. That is a different manufacturer. Councilmember Monson asked about Arden Oaks Park. If Option 1 was selected, that would be MWP. She said if we don't the grant it would be $67,000 over budget. With the grant we would be $25,000 over budget. Bryce Shearen confirmed.