Parks and Recreation Committee

# MODULE 1: MEETING METADATA & BASIC INFO **Date:** July 7, 2025 **Time:** 3:05 PM **Duration:** 6m 51s **Body:** Parks and Recreation Committee **Chair:** Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams **Location:** Council Chambers, City Hall **Attendees:** - Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams (Chair) - Council Member Hannah Stone - Council Member Jace Cotton - Nicole Oliver (Parks & Recreation Director) - Gina Austin (Park Project Engineer) **Meeting Type:** Committee Meeting **Voting Actions:** 1 **Public Testimony:** None **Documents:** Agenda Bill 24598, Staff Memo, Bid Opening Report, Vicinity Map --- # MODULE 2: AGENDA OVERVIEW & STRUCTURE ## Meeting Purpose Single-item committee meeting to consider contract award for Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1B Improvements project. ## Agenda Structure **Item 24598:** Contract Award for Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1B Improvements, Bid #14B-2025 ## Key Issues for Decision - Approval of $719,331.33 contract to Faber Construction - Project scope includes habitat restoration, trail improvements, new boardwalks - Bid came in $107,314 over engineer's estimate due to market conditions ## Meeting Flow Brief staff presentation → Council questions → Motion and unanimous approval → Adjournment --- # MODULE 3: KEY DECISIONS & VOTES ## Contract Award - Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1B Improvements **Motion:** Award contract No. 14B-2025 to Faber Construction for $719,331.33 **Moved by:** Council Member Cotton **Seconded by:** [Not stated in transcript] **Vote:** 3-0 (Unanimous approval) **Voting Members:** Williams, Stone, Cotton **Decision Impact:** Authorizes habitat restoration and trail improvement project in Hundred Acre Wood park, with construction beginning late July 2025 and completion by February 2026. **Financial Details:** - Contract Amount: $719,331.33 (including Washington State sales tax) - Engineer's Estimate: $612,017.02 - Funding Source: Greenways Levy - Cost Overrun: $107,314 (17.5% over estimate) **Project Scope:** - Trail narrowing and resurfacing - Native planting and habitat restoration - Two new boardwalks over wetlands - Improved bridge crossing over Hoag's Creek - New park benches - Modified trail realignment at 22nd Street and Harrison Avenue --- # MODULE 4: SIGNIFICANT ISSUES & POLICY DISCUSSIONS ## Hundred Acre Wood Restoration Project **Policy Domain:** Parks & Recreation, Environmental **Issue Overview:** The Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1B represents the second phase of a comprehensive habitat restoration and trail improvement project in one of Bellingham's significant natural areas. **Key Policy Elements:** - **Environmental Restoration:** Focus on native planting and understory restoration in mature forest - **Sustainable Recreation:** Trail narrowing to reduce environmental impact while maintaining access - **Wetland Protection:** Strategic boardwalk placement to protect sensitive wetland areas - **Infrastructure Investment:** Long-term improvements funded through voter-approved Greenways Levy **Technical Discussion:** Parks Director Nicole Oliver explained the project creates a "main vein" trail system connecting Upper Fairhaven Park to the Interurban Trail and extending toward Chuckanut Drive. Two boardwalks will cross proper wetlands, addressing chronic drainage issues on steep, wet terrain. **Budget Considerations:** The 17.5% cost overrun reflects current market conditions for materials and labor. The lowest bid (J. Ridder at $581,154) was withdrawn due to an error, making Faber Construction's bid the best available option. **Future Implications:** This phase establishes critical trail infrastructure that will support the broader Hundred Acre Wood master plan implementation. --- # MODULE 5: PUBLIC COMMENT & TESTIMONY ## Public Participation **Speakers:** None **Topics:** Not applicable **Duration:** Not applicable **Committee Meeting Format:** No public comment period provided for committee sessions, as noted in the agenda. Committee meetings are open for public observation but do not include formal public testimony opportunities. --- # MODULE 6: COMMUNITY IMPACT & CIVIC SIGNIFICANCE ## Environmental and Recreational Impact **Project Significance:** The Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1B improvements represent a substantial investment in Bellingham's natural infrastructure, balancing ecological restoration with public access to outdoor recreation. **Community Benefits:** - **Enhanced Habitat:** Native plantings and understory restoration will improve biodiversity in mature forest ecosystem - **Improved Access:** Trail improvements provide safer, more sustainable recreational opportunities - **Regional Connectivity:** Main trail creates continuous pathway from Upper Fairhaven Park to Interurban Trail system - **Long-term Sustainability:** Boardwalks over wetlands protect sensitive areas while maintaining public access **Economic Context:** The $719,331 investment reflects commitment to voter-approved Greenways Levy priorities, demonstrating responsible use of dedicated environmental funding despite market-driven cost increases. **Timeline and Community Impact:** Construction beginning in late July will temporarily limit trail access but delivers substantial long-term improvements for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and environmental education opportunities. **Equity Considerations:** Project maintains free public access to natural areas while improving safety and accessibility for diverse user groups. --- # MODULE 7: ADMINISTRATIVE & PROCEDURAL NOTES ## Meeting Management **Presiding Officer:** Council Member Edwin H. "Skip" Williams (Chair) **Meeting Efficiency:** Highly efficient 6-minute, 51-second meeting focused on single agenda item **Staff Coordination:** Parks Director Nicole Oliver and Project Engineer Gina Austin provided technical expertise ## Procedural Elements **Bid Process Transparency:** - Four bids received and publicly opened June 26, 2025 - Clear documentation of lowest bidder withdrawal due to error - Proper verification of Faber Construction as lowest responsive, responsible bidder **Regulatory Compliance:** - Project exempt from BMC 4.94 apprenticeship requirements due to contract value - Washington State sales tax properly included in bid calculations **Documentation Quality:** Comprehensive staff packet included detailed technical specifications, vicinity map, and bid comparison analysis supporting informed committee decision. **Next Steps:** Committee recommendation advances to evening City Council meeting for formal ratification. --- # MODULE 8: QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS ## Notable Exchanges **Council Member Cotton's Enthusiasm:** "First exciting project." *Context: Cotton's initial comment reflecting positive reception of the habitat restoration initiative.* **Technical Clarification on Boardwalks:** **Parks Director Oliver:** "So the boardwalks, this first section is really to create a main vein is what we're calling it trail that will connect from Upper Fairhaven Park all the way down to the Interurban trail and then it will connect from that point down toward Chuckanut Drive." **Project Engineer Gina Austin on Wet Conditions:** "Both those are very wet spots. I'm Gina Austin. I'm your park project engineer and the two boardwalks are along with the main trails. They are in very wet sections." *Context: Explaining the necessity of boardwalks for crossing wetlands while protecting sensitive habitat.* **Council Member Lilliquist's Inquiry:** "This is a great project. I'm on the committee, but I don't know if you don't mind like to ask a question. It says there are two new boardwalks. Where are those exactly?" *Context: Seeking specific technical details about boardwalk placement.* **Project Success Indicator:** **Austin:** "We did install some new wayfinding and I haven't heard about it since. So, that usually means something good happened. So I'm hoping." *Context: Lighthearted comment about previous wayfinding improvements, suggesting success when there are no complaints.* --- # MODULE 9: FOLLOW-UP ITEMS & FUTURE IMPLICATIONS ## Immediate Next Steps **City Council Action Required:** Committee recommendation proceeds to evening City Council meeting for formal contract authorization and Mayor's signature authority. **Construction Timeline:** - **Start Date:** Late July 2025 - **In-Water Work Completion:** Early Fall 2025 - **Project Completion:** February 2026 - **Access Impacts:** Portions of Hundred Acre Wood trail system may close during active construction - **Interurban Trail:** Potential impacts from material and equipment hauling ## Long-term Implications **Master Plan Implementation:** This phase establishes foundational trail infrastructure supporting broader Hundred Acre Wood development outlined in City Council-approved park plan. **Environmental Monitoring:** Habitat restoration work will require ongoing monitoring to assess native planting success and ecosystem recovery. **Future Phases:** Committee discussion indicated additional trail alignment considerations remain under evaluation for future project phases, though current scope and budget limitations preclude immediate expansion. **Maintenance Planning:** New boardwalks and bridge infrastructure will require incorporation into long-term parks maintenance schedules and budgets. **Community Engagement:** Completion of main trail connectivity may generate increased public use requiring future capacity and impact assessments. --- # MODULE 10: MEETING OUTCOME SUMMARY ## Overall Assessment **Meeting Efficiency:** Highly effective committee session accomplishing its single objective in under seven minutes while ensuring proper due diligence on substantial capital investment. **Decision Quality:** Unanimous committee support reflects confidence in staff analysis, bidding process integrity, and project value despite cost overrun concerns. **Key Outcomes:** - ✅ Contract award approved for Faber Construction ($719,331.33) - ✅ Clear understanding of project scope and environmental benefits established - ✅ Construction timeline and community impact concerns addressed - ✅ Committee recommendation forwarded to full City Council ## Significant Achievements **Financial Stewardship:** Committee accepted market-driven cost increases while ensuring proper bid evaluation and contractor selection processes. **Environmental Progress:** Advanced significant habitat restoration investment using dedicated Greenways Levy funding as intended by voters. **Technical Clarity:** Staff presentation effectively communicated complex trail engineering and wetland protection strategies to support informed decision-making. ## Looking Forward The Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1B project represents meaningful progress toward comprehensive natural area management balancing ecological restoration with sustainable public recreation access. Committee efficiency in processing this technical infrastructure decision demonstrates effective governance supporting environmental stewardship priorities. **Public Impact:** When completed in February 2026, the project will provide enhanced recreational opportunities while protecting and restoring critical forest and wetland habitat for future generations.

### Meeting Overview The Parks and Recreation Committee met on July 7, 2025, to consider awarding a construction contract for Phase 1B improvements to the Hundred Acre Wood park. The committee unanimously approved awarding the $719,331 contract to Faber Construction for habitat restoration and trail improvements. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Phase 1B:** The second part of phase one of the Hundred Acre Wood project, focusing on habitat restoration and trail improvements after feasibility work was completed in an earlier phase. **Responsive and Responsible Bidder:** A contractor who properly submitted their bid according to specifications (responsive) and has the financial capacity, experience, and qualifications to complete the project (responsible). **Engineer's Estimate:** The city's projected cost for a construction project, used as a baseline to evaluate whether bids are reasonable. This project's estimate was $612,017. **Greenways Levy:** A special property tax approved by Bellingham voters to fund parks, trails, and open space improvements throughout the city. **Boardwalks:** Elevated wooden walkways built over wetlands and wet areas to allow trail access while protecting sensitive environmental areas. **Habitat Restoration:** The process of returning degraded natural areas to their original ecological condition through native plantings and removal of invasive species. **BMC 4.94:** Bellingham Municipal Code section requiring apprenticeship utilization on certain construction projects - not applicable to this project due to its size. **Main Vein Trail:** The primary trail corridor planned to connect Upper Fairhaven Park to the Interurban Trail and down toward Chuckanut Drive. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Edwin H. "Skip" Williams | Committee Chair, Fourth Ward Council Member | | Hannah Stone | Committee Member, First Ward Council Member | | Jace Cotton | Committee Member, At-Large Council Member | | Nicole Oliver | Parks & Recreation Director | | Gina Austin | Parks Project Engineer | ### Background Context The Hundred Acre Wood is a forested park area in Bellingham that has experienced trail degradation and habitat damage over time. This project represents a systematic approach to restoring the natural environment while maintaining public access through improved trails. The work is part of a larger master plan for the park and is funded through the city's Greenways Levy, which voters approved specifically for these types of park improvements. The project came in about $100,000 over the engineer's estimate due to current market conditions and material costs - a common occurrence in today's construction environment. The committee had to withdraw the lowest bid due to an error, making Faber Construction the successful bidder. ### What Happened — The Short Version Committee Chair Williams opened the meeting and presented agenda bill 24598 for the Hundred Acre Wood improvements. Nicole Oliver, the Parks & Recreation Director, explained that this Phase 1B work includes habitat restoration, trail improvements, new boardwalks, and a bridge over Hoag's Creek. The city received four bids, with the lowest being withdrawn due to an error. Faber Construction submitted the winning bid of $719,331, about $100,000 over the engineer's estimate due to market conditions. Council Member Cotton asked about the withdrawn bid, and Council Member Lilliquist inquired about boardwalk locations and trail alignment decisions. After brief discussion, Council Member Stone moved to approve the contract, and it passed unanimously 3-0. ### What to Watch Next - Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of July 2025 and finish by February 2026 - Trail closures are expected during active construction, particularly affecting the Interurban Trail access - The approved contract will be forwarded to the full City Council for final authorization at their evening meeting - Future phases of the Hundred Acre Wood project may be considered as this phase progresses ---

**Q:** What was the winning bid amount for the Hundred Acre Wood Phase 1B project? **A:** $719,331.33, including applicable Washington State sales or use tax, submitted by Faber Construction. **Q:** How much higher was the winning bid compared to the engineer's estimate? **A:** About $100,000 higher - the engineer's estimate was $612,017.02 while the winning bid was $719,331.33. **Q:** Who chairs the Parks and Recreation Committee? **A:** Edwin H. "Skip" Williams, Fourth Ward Council Member. **Q:** What company withdrew their bid due to an error? **A:** Jay Ritter Construction withdrew their bid, which would have been $581,154.76. **Q:** What are the two main locations where new boardwalks will be built? **A:** Over wetlands areas - one at a "neck portion" between wetlands and another on a wet hillside angled toward the Interurban Trail. **Q:** When is construction expected to start and finish? **A:** Construction should begin by the end of July 2025 and finish by February 2026. **Q:** What body of water will have an improved bridge crossing? **A:** Hoag's Creek will have a new bridge crossing as part of the project. **Q:** What funding source is paying for this project? **A:** Greenways Levy funds approved by Bellingham voters for parks and open space improvements. **Q:** How many companies submitted bids for this project? **A:** Four companies submitted bids, which were publicly opened on June 26, 2025. **Q:** What trail will the main vein connect? **A:** The main trail will connect Upper Fairhaven Park to the Interurban Trail and down toward Chuckanut Drive. **Q:** Who is the Parks & Recreation Director who presented this item? **A:** Nicole Oliver, who was accompanied by Parks Project Engineer Gina Austin. **Q:** What vote was required for this contract to pass the committee? **A:** A unanimous 3-0 vote by Committee Members Williams, Stone, and Cotton. **Q:** Why is BMC 4.94 not applicable to this project? **A:** Due to the dollar amount, this project is not subject to the 15% apprenticeship utilization requirements. **Q:** What trail improvements will help with drainage? **A:** Clear railroad ballast (large rocks) will be placed underneath trails to allow water to move through while maintaining the trail surface. **Q:** What intersection will have a modified trail realignment? **A:** 22nd Street and Harrison Avenue will have a modified compacted trail realignment. **Q:** What was the agenda bill number for this contract award? **A:** Agenda bill 24598 for bid number 14B-2025. **Q:** What type of planting work is included in this phase? **A:** Trail narrowing, native planting, and understory restoration in the mature forest habitat. **Q:** Which trail might be impacted during construction for equipment access? **A:** The Interurban Trail may be impacted as it's the primary access point for hauling materials and equipment. **Q:** What committee member made the motion to approve the contract? **A:** Council Member Hannah Stone moved to approve the contract award to Faber Construction. **Q:** What was mentioned about wayfinding improvements? **A:** New wayfinding was installed in areas outside the current project scope, and no complaints have been heard since installation. ---