Adopt Resolution #21-334 Approving the Restoration of the 25-Year-Old Lake Itasca Boardwalk

The purpose of this case is to authorize the restoration of the *Lake Itasca Boardwalk. The quarter-century old, 6' foot wide boardwalk is nearly one quarter mile in length and is a very popular trail route and destination—and is within a high quality wetland environment associated with Trott Brook, and also the Circle of Ramsey Greenway.  The boardwalk has held up very well over the decades with semi-regular board replacement and occasional re-leveling.  However, in recent years the frequency for the need for individual board replacement has increased, and there are a number of sections where it is no longer feasible to try to re-level the warped sections. (It may be noted here, that it is appropriate for boardwalks to appear 'rustic' and aside from when first constructed, they are not intended to be perfectly pristine, like a deck on a residential home.) The attached Appendix includes photos of the existing conditions of the boardwalk, in a sequence from the North to the South, with the last image looking North, at the South end at the boardwalk's connection to the bituminous trail.  (About midway through the photos the 8' foot bridge section may be noted, which is in great condition, it being replaced about four years ago.)


*This portion of trail is also a part of the National Mississippi River Trail.

Observations
As referenced, the wooden boardwalk may be considered at the end of its useful life, having been in the elements for twenty five years, and carrying many, many, thousands of walkers, joggers, dogs and bicyclists.  Additionally, user feedback confirms that the 6' foot width is not adequate for the numbers of users—especially when bicyclists meet people with leashed dogs on the boardwalk, often traveling in opposite directions.  For this reason, staff is proposing that with the refurbishment, the width would be extended to 8' feet wide, which is the standard for boardwalks constructed in the city within the last decade. 

In July 2021 the Park and Recreation Commission approved proceeding with a Request for Quotation with detailed specifications for the restoration, which was issued to seven contractors who bid on the last boardwalk project in the City of Ramsey.  Four quotes were received by the City on Monday, November 15th, 2021, and the Public Works Committee recommended proceeding with the boardwalk restoration at a not-to-exceed amount of $138,000 at their regular November meeting.   The low bidder, MN Boardwalk LLC indicates they can begin the project in later December of this year, if approved by City Council. 

 

Contractor	Quote Submitted
MN Boardwalks LLC	$138,000.00
Peterson Companies	$141,785.00
Rosti Construction	$287,590.00
Pember Companies	$298,515.00
CS McCrossan	No Bid
Janke Construction	No Bid
Solutions 101	No Bid

Observations for public information
Around the year 2006, the city established the Park Maintenance Fund, recognizing that in about 10 to 15 years into the future, a great deal of the park system's infrastructure would be approximately 25 to 30 years old, with certain elements needing maintenance work or replacement.  In the last few years, that forecasted activity has been occurring.  Recently, the primary water well at Loral I Delaney Central Park has been refurbished, the pergola at Emerald Pond Park replaced, and shelters at both Rivers' Bend and Emerald Pond Park have benefited from roofing replacements and wood refinishing of the interior roof and support posts.  In the Spring of 2021 the tennis courts at Central Park were also repaired and color-coated.

The recommended funding source, would be the Capital Maintenance Fund, (formally known as ‘Park Maintenance Fund #810’) which has a present balance of approximately $1.3M.

Staff recommends proceeding with the refurbishment of the 25-year-old Lake Itasca Boardwalk with the work to be performed by MN Boardwalks LLC, in the amount of $138,000 .

Motion to adopt Resolution #21-334 awarding the Lake Itasca Boardwalk restoration to MN Boardwalks LLC at a not-to-exceed amount of $138,000.