Consider Replacing Monument and Shelter Roof at Rivers’ Bend Park, and HVAC Replacement at Central Park

Purpose:
The purpose of this case is to consider a recommendation to City Council for authorization to perform maintenance/replacement activity for two structures at Rivers' Bend Park, and one of three HVAC system's at Central Park's buildings.  Funding is requested to be allocated from the City's Capital Maintenance Fund (not the Park Trust Fund) and therefore is being brought to the Public Works Committee, because the project funding source is limited, and also to be used for other (non-park) capital maintenance needs of the community.  Note: In 2017, the Council expanded the scope of this fund (previously entitled Park Maintenance Fund) to allow use for other non-park capital maintenance needs (e.g. roof replacement, HVAC systems, parking lot resurfacing, etc.).  The facilities this case discusses may be considered higher priority maintenance items. 

Background:
While Ramsey was incorporated as a city in the mid-70's, the preponderance of the park and trail system infrastructure was not constructed until the late 1980's and more recently—meaning also, that much of the system (facilities, pavement etc.) is now decades old.

Central Park was one of the first significant park improvements for the community, and development began there beginning in mid-1980's—including the Park Center building itself in 1987. Rivers' Bend Park was the second community park to emerge, with most initial improvements occurring in 1989, which included the entrance monument, with the hexagonal shelter (North half of the park) following a few years later.

Rivers' Bend replacements
~ The hexagonal roof replacement does not represent a hazard, however the cedar shake roof is in very poor shape, and water is likely penetrating through the missing shingles to the laminated-glue wood roof itself (the structural element), and may be near the point where significant damage to the entire structure is at risk.  The hexagonal shelter has been in service for approximately 28 years.
~ The decayed wooden park entrance monument is not a safety hazard, however it is in unacceptable visual condition and is probably functioning counter-productively as a welcoming entrance sign.

Central Park replacement
~ The HVAC system within the Park Center Building (the main park structure) has been in service for nearly 33 years and consists of a purposefully redundant, two-zone heating and cooling arrangement. One portion of this HVAC system (cooling function) has failed and is practically not repairable. The HVAC repairs discussed herein is not a safety concern per se, however, as the units are 3-decades old, staff is recommending upgrading them to a more modern, energy efficient units before they fail completely.  It may be important to note, that the Park Center Building is used multiple times each week—often by paying customers, and if the heating or cooling system failed at the wrong time it may negatively affect the respective reservation at the building, which may have deleterious impact on the event, some of which may have community-wide importance (examples to be discussed at the meeting).
 

The background and overview of this case presentation may be less than 10 (ten) minutes.

If the Committee recommends replacement of the three items above, utilizing the Capital Maintenance Fund, Staff would proceed to obtain competitive quotes consistent with the City's Purchasing Policy for re-roofing the hex shelter (and restoration of the underside) at Rivers' Bend and also the HVAC replacement at Central Park.  The HVAC system is anticipated to cost less than $15,000; the roof replacement to a standing seam (green) steel roof with trim, with sandblasting and sealing the underside and support columns ect. at less than $18,000.  Should the costs be consistent with the estimates above, Staff will proceed upon City Council ratification of the Public Works Committee's recommendation.

For the monument replacement at Rivers' Bend, the replacement cost is unknown, as neither the design nor specifications are fully understood at this time. The cost may be between $8 to $15k or more. Staff proposes utilizing the approved sign and streetscape 'guide' (attached), and amending these examples to something suitable for the park.  This project would subsequently be routed for Council consideration and approval via the Park and Recreation Commission.


Attached are images of the improvements at Rivers' Bend Park this case discusses. Additional information will be available at the meeting. 

Capital Maintenance Fund, (formerly known as the Park Maintenance Fund), in a total amount (two projects) in a not-to-exceed amount of $33,000.  This does not include the park monument sign, which would advance for consideration separately.

The current available balance for the above fund is approximately +/- $500,000.
 

Staff recommends replacing the HVAC system and roof shelter as described within this case.

Motion to recommend/not recommend to City Council, the replacement of the HVAC system at Central Park, and roof shelter at Rivers' Bend Park as discussed, at a not-to-exceed cost of $33,000 from the Capital Maintenance Fund.