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Consideration of request for expenditure authority in an amount not to exceed $40,000 from the Firefly Grove Park reserve fund in support of wetland restoration at Firefly Grove Park
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Submitted by:
Alex Krutsch - Parks and Forestry Superintendent
Department:
Public Works
A. Issue
The lowest BID received for the wetland restoration project planned for Firefly Grove Park exceeded the project budget by $108,181.
B. Background/Options
In July of 2026 the Common Council authorized staff to enter into a memorandum of understanding with Ducks Unlimited (DU) for the restoration of approximately 1.75 acres of wetlands at Firefly Grove Park. The project budget was expected to be $342,333. However, the low BID received was $450,514 putting the project $108,181 over budget.
Ducks Unlimited has identified an additional $100,000 in grant funding that was surplus from other projects in the State. DU has received permission from its funders to re-allocate those funds to the Firefly Grove project leaving the project short $8,181.
Staff is requesting expenditure authority in an amount not to exceed $40,000 from the Firefly Grove Park reserve fund. These funds will be used to close the remaining budget gap of $8,181 and create a contingency should any unexpected expenses be incurred during construction.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
The Firefly Grove Park Reserve will be drawn down by a minimum of $8,181 and potentially as much as $40,000.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Council grant expenditure authority of funds from the Firefly Grove Park reserve fund in an amount not to exceed $40,000 in support of wetland restoration at Firefly Grove Park.