Council Communication Office of the City Manager	Date	January 7, 2008
	Agenda Item No. 6B Roll Call No. 08- Communication No. 08-015 Submitted by: Jeb E. Brewer, P.E. City Engineer

AGENDA HEADING:

Ordering construction of the following: Gray's Lake Terrace Building Shade Structure - receiving bids, (1-29-08), and setting date of hearing, (2-11-08). (Construction Estimate - $110,000).

SYNOPSIS:

Proceed with construction of the improvement and set dates to receive bids and hold a public hearing, as required by Iowa Code, utilizing the method of financing referenced below. The Gray's Lake Terrace Building serves multiple functions including concession, restrooms, and storage for boats and park equipment on the first level while the second level serves as a public plaza. The plaza has been a popular gathering spot; however, it has not been used to its potential due to a lack of shade. This project provides for construction of shade structure approximately 90 feet long and 30 feet wide, which will cover about one-third of the plaza area.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Amount: $110,000 City Engineer's Estimate

Funding Source: 2007-2008 CIP, Page Park-10, Gray's Lake Park Improvements, PKS140, and Various Other Funding, being: $70,000 in private contributions from the Gray's Lake and Meredith Trail Advisory Group and $40,000 in G. O. Bonds

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Since opening in 2000, the southwest corner of Grays Lake has been a popular gathering spot for boat rental concessions and especially to enjoy views of the lake and downtown Des Moines. The southwest corner includes a boathouse building that serves multiple functions of concession, restrooms, storage of boats and related park equipment. The second level was conceived to be a public plaza. Although the plaza has been a popular gathering spot it has not been used to its potential due to a lack of shade. City staff has been working with consultants and the Grays Lake Donor Group to design a way to provide shade without building any major architectural element. The solution that is proposed will build a metal frame and wire trellis that will support the growth of grape vine. The vine will eventually grow over the top of the plaza on the trellis. The design includes the installation of a colored fabric until the plant material grows to a point that it can naturally provide the shade.

The Gray’s Lake and Meredith Trail Advisory Group has agreed to provide $70,000 toward the proposed Gray's Lake Terrace Building Shade Structure. The funding for this has been approved by the Advisory Board which consists of Mell Meredith, Frank Cownie, Johnny Danos, Rick Neumann and Susan Huppert. The payment will be made by the Greater Des Moines Community Foundation from the Gray’s Lake and Meredith Trail Fund that is managed by the foundation.

The Engineering Department has prepared plans, specifications, form of contract documents, and City Engineer’s estimate for the construction of the Gray's Lake Terrace Building Shade Structure, 11-2008-003. The improvement includes construction of a shade structure including steel fabrication and erection, fabrication and installation of a stainless steel cable trellis system, provide and install shade fabric, painting and site restoration all in accordance with the contract documents including Plan File Nos. 475-115/121 at Gray’s Lake Park, 2101 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa.

The estimated construction cost is $110,000. The proposed plans, specifications, and form of contract documents are available for public inspection in the City Engineer's Office.

PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION(S): NONE

BOARD/COMMISSION ACTION(S): NONE

ANTICIPATED ACTIONS AND FUTURE COMMITMENTS:

Anticipated actions include public hearing, receive and file bids, designate lowest bidder, and approve contract and bond; also partial payments to the contractor and final acceptance of work.