DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO INCREASE FUNDING AUTHORIZATION FOR THE VISTOSO TRAILS NATURE PRESERVE POND PROJECT AS IT RELATES TO SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE BID THAT WAS RECEIVED ON MARCH 20, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends Council discuss funding options for the Pond Bid at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and allocate the appropriate funding if it so desires.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On March 20, 2026, bids were opened for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve (VTNP) pond, with the lowest bid amount of $1,883,939, excluding contingency. This amount includes:
Base Bid (Pond + Memorial Garden): $1,769,972
Alternate Bid (Parking Lot + ADA Pathway Connection): $113,967
The total project budget that was allocated by Town Council for the Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project, now including the pond element, was $2,000,000, of which $427,460 has been encumbered for the design of the revegetation of the VTNP property, as well as the pond. The remaining available construction budget for the pond is $1,572,540.
After accounting for project costs and a contingency, as well as removing the $50,000 cost estimate for the Memorial Garden that will be funded by the proceeds from the sale of the donated Zimerman house, a funding shortfall of $461,399 exists. Details are provided in the background section below.
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
The total Desert Ecosystem Restoration Project, including the pond element, has a budget of $2,000,000, with $427,460 allocated for prior and current design work, leaving $1,572,540 available for construction. The total bid (base + alternate) is $1,883,939. Of this amount:
The Memorial Garden is estimated at $50,000, which will be funded through proceeds from the sale of the donated Zimerman home, per Ms. Zimerman's instructions.
With the Memorial Garden cost removed and a contingency added, the adjusted total project cost is $2,033,939.
The lowest bid received results in a budget shortfall of $461,399. The bid includes:
Base Bid: Pond and Memorial Garden
Alternate Bid: Parking lot and ADA pathway connection
Below is a map of the pond and Memorial Garden base bid in red and the parking lot with the ADA pathway connection bid alternate in orange. No additional project elements were included in this bid, including those represented in yellow.
The specifics of the pond and Memorial Garden base bid include: The alternate bid for the parking lot and ADA connection to the existing pathways includes:
The Memorial Garden was approved as part of the gift agreement associated with the donated Zimerman home. The agreement specifies the funds to be allocated towards the following improvements:
Memorial Garden dedicated to Adam Zimerman:
Installation of shade trees with seating stones
A bike rack
A plaque commemorating Adam Zimerman
A water station with bottle-filling capability
Use of remaining funds discussed and approved at the June 18, 2025, Town Council meeting:
Path widening with decomposed granite to improve user flow where cyclists and pedestrians interact
Additional tree planting to enhance shade
Revegetation efforts using native Sonoran Desert grasses and plants, to initiate habitat restoration
Council has a few options regarding funding the budget shortfall to consider:
Option 1: Approve Base Bid + Alternate Bid Total Project Cost (with contingency): $2,033,939 Available Budget: $1,572,540 Shortfall: $461,399
Base Bid (Pond and Memorial Garden Included)
$1,769,972
Alternate Bid (Parking Lot and ADA Connection to Existing Pathway)
$113,967
Total with Alternate
$1,883,939
Memorial Garden will be paid out of the donated home ($50K is the estimated cost)
- $50,000
Contingency
$200,000
Grand Total with Contingency
$2,033,939
Budget Remaining
$1,572,540
BUDGET SHORTFALL
-$461,399
Funding Options:
(a) General Fund Contingency Account: $461,399 OR
(b) Combination:
$150,000 (FY 2025/26 CIP – VTNP Site Improvements)
$200,000 (FY 2026/27 CIP – VTNP Site Improvements)
$111,399 (General Fund Contingency)
Option 2: Approve Base Bid Only (No Alternate) Total Project Cost (with contingency): $1,894,972 Available Budget: $1,572,540 Shortfall: $322,432
Base Bid (Pond and Memorial Garden Included)
$1,769,972
Memorial Garden will be paid out of the donated home ($50K is the estimated cost)
- $50,000
Total with Alternate
$1,719,972
Contingency
$175,000
Grand Total with Contingency
$1,894,972
Budget Remaining
$1,572,540
BUDGET SHORTFALL
-$322,432
Funding Options:
(a) General Fund Contingency Account: $322,432 OR
(b) CIP Funds:
$150,000 (FY 2025/26 CIP – VTNP Site Improvements)
$172,432 (FY 2026/27 CIP – VTNP Site Improvements)
Remaining FY 2026/27 CIP balance: $27,568
FISCAL IMPACT:
Base + Alternate: Requires $461,399 in additional funding
Base Only: Requires $322,432 in additional funding
The funding source selected by Council will determine the impact on the General Fund Contingency and/or CIP budgets.
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Option 1 – Base + Alternate Bid: I MOVE to authorize and approve funding for the base bid and alternate bid for the Pond Project in the amount of $461,399 from either:
A.) The General Fund Contingency Account
OR
B.) A combination of funding sources as follows:
$150,000 from FY2026 CIP Fund
$200,000 from FY2027 CIP Fund
$111,399 from the General Fund Contingency Account
Option 2 – Base Bid Only: I MOVE to authorize and approve funding for the base bid for the Pond Project in the amount of $322,432 from either:
