Politics & Government

Highland Heights Park Improvements Are Over Budget

Resurfacing, pavilion and bathroom renovations are more than $200,000

City Council members received some bad news regarding bids for improvements to the Community Park.

At a Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday, Assistant City Engineer Brian Mader said there was only one bidder for a pole barn pavilion project – Monarch Construction at $114,000, about $25,000 more than the estimated cost of $89,000.

"The pole building was the big thing that came in really high," Mader said. Cost of the building itself was $23,000 more than the $45,000 estimate.

Council members also have to decide what to do regarding resurfacing the park's entrance. The lowest bid for chip and seal repair, expected to last three to five years, was $132,575. However, City Engineer Stephen Hovanscek recommended spending $261,000 for a complete resurfacing that would last 12 to 15 years.

"It would be more durable, especially if you're doing other work in the park," he said.

The problem is that even doing the cheaper chip and seal work and adding the pavilion would cost $246,000, above the $200,000 originally set aside. Councilman Leo Lombardo noted that the Finance Committee discussed providing another $50,000, if needed.

But that also doesn't take into account renovations of the bathrooms. Recreation Director David Ianiro said summer help is still available to assist with demolition if that project is started soon.

Mayor Scott Coleman said it was important that council looks at the proposed park improvements together rather than independently when addressing costs.

"Look at it collectively and see what funds we have," Coleman said.

Ianiro lobbied for the pavilion to be included in council's plans, stating that the Recreation Department has been trying to get the structure built for eight years.

"It's not just for day camp," he said. "This is a good thing. It's another pavilion for the park."

He said the pavilion would provide needed shelter during storms and would be used by residents as a rental facility. He added that resurfacing of the entrance wasn't part of the plan when the original $200,000 budget was set.

"We agreed on that budget to go forward with this project, the streets came up after," Ianiro said. "I'm not saying it's a bad idea. We would like to see council take this pole barn building very seriously."


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