Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site Change Order #3 (attached) would reinstate an original alternate to the project that would create a west trail connection between the site and Swords Park Trail, and add some landscaping features.  The total cost of the proposed addition is $56,628, bringing the total project contract price to $494,518.44. The cost of the addition is being covered by fundraising by the Greater Billings Area Chamber of Commerce, which the Council also will need to formally accept.

The Chamber of Commerce and the City Parks and Recreation Department have cooperated for more than three years on restoration and the addition of an interpretive site to the grave of Luther Sage "Yellowstone" Kelly, a renowned post-Civil War soldier, hunter and guide in the West, including Montana.  His body was returned to Billings for burial after his death in California in 1928, but the site had deteriorated over decades.  Beginning with a $50,000 from the City's Park Maintenance District #1 Fund, the Chamber raised $477,021 before bidding occurred.

Bids for the project were opened in September 2016 and the construction contract was awarded to low bidder Hardy Construction for $507,901.80.  Change Orders #1 and #2 reduced the bid price by $70,011.36 to a total of $437,890.44, a level below the contributions collected by the Chamber.  The change orders deleted, reduced or eliminated the price for stone work, plantings, interpretive panels and other work. Three additional projects--parking lot paving, the west trail and existing drive restoration--were additive alternatives that were expected to be funded later, when more money was raised.

Change Order #3 would pave the trail, as well as helping to install a flagpole, add donor plaques and add a structure for a donor canopy.  To fund the change order, the City Council needs to accept $56,628 raised by the Chamber.
 

City Council may:

• Approve Change Order #3 and accept a $56,628 donation from the Chamber to pay for it as part of construction already underway;
• Postpone action on the Change Order and donation, delaying construction of those improvements; or
• Disapprove Change Order #3 and refuse the donation,  which would mean the additions would not be built or would have to be funded by the City.

If Change Order #3 and the Chamber donation are accepted, there should be no additional construction costs to the City.  The City Parks and Recreation Department will be responsible for maintaining the site in the future, however.

Staff recommends approval of Change Order #3 for $56,628 at the Yellowstone Kelly Interpretive Site, and acceptance of a Chamber donation to pay for it.