ITEM: 12.4 ADMINISTRATION - Jim Hafner, Stormwater Manager
Title
AUTORIZE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENT WITH PRAIRIE RESTORATIONS, INC. IN A NOT-TO-EXCEED AMOUNT OF $12,500.00, PLUS TAX, FOR IMPROVEMENTS AT AQUATORE PARK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR QUOTE DATED NOVEMBER 16, 2012
Background
In late Fall 2011 the City initiated a buckthorn removal effort in the 4.5 acre woods at Aquatore Park. After completion of this work there was sentiment that the woods could use more cleaning up given the location near the gateway of the City. Staff has contacted several contractors to provide quotes for improvements to the general condition of the woods and for the construction of a simple trail loop through the woods.
The proposed work would remove any remaining buckthorn, Siberian elm, and other invasive woody species; some clearing of the understory to provide a better general appearance; construction of a simple trail loop with wood chip trail surface. Any tree material cut or marked for removal will be chipped and used for the trail base. The actual trail footprint will be laid out by staff and the contractor.
Quotes were received from three contractors. The firms and their quotes are:
• Prairie Restorations, Inc. $12,500 plus tax
• Applied Ecological Services, Inc. $15,780 plus tax
• Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. $19,320 plus tax
The Natural Resources Conservation Board reviewed the proposal November 20, 2012. They approved the Prairie Restorations, Inc. quote and recommended Council approval. The Parks and Recreation Board reviewed this proposal at their meeting of November 27, after this agenda item was prepared. Their decision will be presented to Council at its December 6 meeting. Assuming Park Board approval, the two boards agree to share the cost of the project. Should the Park Board choose to not support the project the NRCB agreed to fund the entire cost from the Open Space fund, seeing the value in the improvements and the aesthetic benefit to the City gateway and Aquatore Park.
Recommendation
Motion to authorize City Manager to enter into agreement with Prairie Restorations, Inc. in a not-to-exceed amount of $12,500.00, plus tax, for improvements at Aquatore Park in accordance with their quote dated November 16, 2012.