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6. Development of playground area (estimated at $ 68,200.00, which includes as its <br />primary expense the rubberized play surface). <br />As referenced earlier, these numbers are derived from the designer's cost estimating sheets. <br />Obviously, the bids are higher than the cost estimates. While we have no substantiated information <br />from bidders as to why their bids are significantly higher than the estimates, one may only speculate <br />that the bids reflect factors such as the continuing aggressive market in our area and price increases <br />since the estimates were provided. <br />The Board may wish to consider one of the following options: <br />1. Build the park as designed, taking all alternates, as specified and appropriate from <br />the 1997 Park Bond funds approximately $112,000.00, and from the County Capital Reserve Fund the <br />Balance of $50,000.00, needed to fund the project at that level; or <br />2. Supplement the construction fund budget through a combination of 1997 Park Bond <br />funds and County Capital Reserve Fund Balance and direct staff to reduce the project to fit that funding <br />level. <br />Preliminary review indicates that if $100,000.00 were added to the project, it could be built <br />without seriously jeopardizing the functional intent. Should the Board choose to exercise this option, the <br />primary change in scope of the project would be to seed the multipurpose field rather than sprig it <br />($55,000.00 savings). The balance of the money would be made up through a variety of smaller changes. <br />It is notable that the Town of Chapel Hill experienced similar problems with the construction <br />of the Northern Park and it is our understanding that Chapel Hill was unable to get bidders until the third <br />solicitation. As the Board may recall, the bids for the Northern Park also substantially exceeded funds <br />budgeted by the Town. <br />This project is funded through 1997 bond funds. The 1999-2008 CIP includes approximately <br />$650,000.00 for construction of the project. Although it is recommended that the staff be authorized to <br />negotiate some changes in the scope of work, thereby reducing the cost of construction, a minimum of <br />$100,000.00 additional appropriation will be necessary to build the park, which reasonably meets the <br />functional intent of the master park plan for the area. <br />The Manager recommends that the Board exercise option #2 above, in which an additional <br />$100,000.00 is appropriated as follows: $50,000.00 from 1997 Park Bond proceeds, and $50,000.00 from <br />the County Capital Fund Balance; alternate #1 (sprigging) and #3 (metal bollards) are specifically not <br />included; and staff is authorized to negotiate with the contractor to bring the construction contract into line <br />with the available funding; and that the construction contracts be approved, contingent upon the final <br />contract amount not exceeding $756,000.00; and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the Board. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis, to <br />accept the Manager's option #2 recommendation to supplement the construction fund budget through a <br />combination of 1997 Park Bond funds and County Capital Reserve Fund Balance and direct staff to reduce <br />the project to fit that funding level; to authorize staff to negotiate with the contractor to bring the <br />construction contract into line with the available funding; to approve the construction contracts contingent <br />upon the final contract amount not exceeding $756,000 and authorize the Chair to sign on behalf of the <br />Board. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />h. Creek Wood Subdivision Preliminary Plan <br />The Board considered a preliminary plan for the 462-acre Creek Wood subdivision located <br />between Whitfield and Mt. Sinai Roads in Chapel Hill Township. <br />Planner Eddie Kirk made a presentation. The property is located in the Rural Buffer portion of <br />Chapel Hill Township on the north side of Whitfield Road (SR 173011731) and on the south side of Mt. Sinai <br />Road (SR 1718). The tract has approximately 462 acres. It is bounded on the west by the H.J. Oosting <br />Natural Area owned by Duke University, and on the east by Turkey Farm Road (SR 1730) and Stoneridge <br />subdivision lots and recreation area. New Hope Creek crosses the property at the northeast corner. Other <br />surrounding land uses are residential. A 136-foot power transmission line right-of-way crosses the northern <br />portion of the property aligned northeast to southwest.