Consider Replacing 20+ Year Old Pergola, and Park Shelter Roof at Emerald Pond Park

The purpose of this case is to consider a recommendation to City Council for authorization to perform maintenance/replacement activity for two structures at Emerald Pond Park.  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 is used for other (non-park) capital maintenance needs of the community.  In 2017, the Council expanded the scope of this fund to allow use for other non-park capital maintenance needs (e.g., roof replacement, parking lot resurfacing, etc.).   These facilities are high priority maintenance items. 

The pergula was completely removed in 2017 due to the cedar post decay at the mounting point with the concrete base—and a concern that it (if not removed) may have represented a safety hazzard. The pergula was in service for 21 years.  

The roof replacement does not represent a hazzard, however the cedar shake roof is in very poor shape, and water is likely penetrating through to the laminated wood roof itself (the structural element).  The hexagonal shelter has been in service for approximately 26 years.

Emerald Pond Park is one of the most heavily used neighborhood parks in Ramsey's system of parks, and some of the nearby residents are very eager to see the pergola back in service—which was also used for weddings when it was in a more presentable condition.

The background and overview of this case presentation may be less than 5 (five) minutes.

Observations:
It may be useful to note here, for the Public Works Committee, that Staff is in process of inventorying all of the City's, as well as the park systems', capital maintenance needs to develop long-term maintenance cost projections and priorities.  This work is expected to be completed this fall.

If the Committee recomends replacment of the pergola and the shelter's roof, utilizing the Capital Maintenance Fund, (formerly known as the Park Maintenance Fund), Staff would proceed to immediatly develop an RFP or obtain competitive quotes for the two projects consistent with the City's Purchasing Policy.  The pergola is anticipated to cost less than $30,000; the roof replacement to a standing seam (green) steel roof with trim, less than $15,000.

The new shelter roof protects an existing asset and delaying replacement may cost more in the long-run.  Consequently replacement is recommended versus the option of not replacing the roof at this time.

The pergula replacement is not time-critical, and not replacing the structure is an option.  Likely, the expectation of the park users is that replacement would be soon, however, other priorities may be considered by the City.

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 $45,000.

The current avalible balance for the above fund is $630,000.
 

Staff recommends replacing the pergola and roof shelter as discribed within this case.

Motion to recommend/not recommend to City Council, the replacement of the pergola, and roof shelter at Emerald Pond Park as discussed, at a not-to-exceed cost of $45,000 from the Capital Maintenance Fund.