Exh 8BAGENDA ITEM #8B
FEBRUARY 26, 2001
City of Atlantic Beach
City Commission Meeting
Staff Report
Agenda Item: Dutton Island Park Recommendations
Submitted by: David E. Thompson, Chief ofPolice/DPS
Timmy Johnson, Parks and Recreation Director
Don Ford, Building Official
Donna Kaluzniak, Water Distribution Director
Date: February 20, 2001
Background:
The plans prepared by Landers-Atkins Planners, Inc. indicated full development of all
facilities as to their ultimate location. It would have been more feasible for the plans
to have been bid with the minimal amount of facilities needed but with unit costs and
"add alternates" to expand facilities as necessary or desired. The plans were bid with
all facilities indicated.
After reviewing the bids that were submitted for the construction of Dutton Island, it
was clear that the project was not going to be constructed within budget unless some
significant modifications were made to the bid package. Staff members have
prioritized the various facets of the Dutton Island project, and recommend rebidding.
the park with only specific items and quantities identified, with unit prices.
The original Master Plan estimated a price of less than $200,000 to construct the
proposed park. However, there were a several items that grossly underestimated the
funding necessary to provide the facilities and utilities described in the plans.
For example, the Master Plan proposed an artesian well to provide the water for the
comfort station. The problem with this estimate was the numerous regulatory
requirements for a well that is going to provide water for public consumption. The
City would be required to build a water plant at that location, and the maintenance
would require daily monitoring of chlorine levels in addition to regular testing and
maintenance. Instead of a $3,250 well, the City would be required to build a water
plant at approximately $24,000, or run water lines out to the Island at an expense of
approximately $63,000.
There were some items on the specifications that were overpriced, and some items
which could be deferred to a future date. After eliminating certain items and making
decisions relative to services and utilities, staff has recommended the following
proposals based on the estimates provided:
AGENDA ITEM #8B
FEBRUARY 26, 2001
Freshwater Marsh Creation
This will be reimbursed up to $40,000 by the Jax Port Authority.
Based on the bids, this should have a value neutral effect on the costs
to Atlantic Beach. This bid includes moving the fill material from on
site to the fresh water marsh area.
Total $32,000
2. Potable Water
After exploring options and reviewing costs and maintenance; staff
recommends running a 6" water line out to Dutton Island. Although
the short term costs would be lower if a small water plant was built,
the maintenance would overshadow the savings within approximately
5 years. The capacity of a small plant would be very limited for fire
fighting and expansion in the future. The best long term solution
would be to run the water line to the Island.
Total $63,000
Comfort Station
The comfort station will include restrooms for visitors to the island.
Considering the anticipated usage of the island, restroom facilities are
considered to be a necessity. Master Plan estimate was for $60,000.
Total $49,300
4. Turn Around Area
Just as people enter the island from the causeway, there is a need for a
stabilized area for limited parking and turning around. This area
needs to have barriers to prevent people from driving around the
island, and to assure vehicular safety away from the marshes. This
area was enlarged from the original master plan concept.
Total $45,000
Emergency Call Box
This mechanism is needed for safety purposes. If there is an
emergency on the island, the call box. would assure emergency
communication with the City. These were not part of the original
master plan estimate.
Total $3,000
AGENDA ITEM #8B
FEBRUARY 26, 2001
6. Excavation and Clearing Old Pump House
These will be necessary to build the comfort station and eliminate the
existing pump house on site.
Total $11,000
Selective Clearing
The original bids interpreted a great deal of land clearing for
boardwalks and trails. This is not the case. Only minimal clearing of
selective understory is needed. This may be performed by local
volunteer groups. The new proposal eliminates the boardwalks and
utilizes the existing trail systems. As much as possible, land clearing
costs should be greatly reduced. There may be a necessity to
.construct a few small boardwalks across wet areas where there are
existing trails.
Kiosks/Picnic Pavilions
The original concept in the Master Plan was for three (3) small kiosks
for information and educational literature, and for four (4) shelters for
picnics. The bid specifications expanded these small structures into
nine (9) large picnic pavilions with aggregated costs exceeding
$100,000. A review ofprefabricated shelters (24x24) (smaller than
proposed) reveals prices of $16 - $18, 000 as compared to $12 -
$18,000 bid prices.
It is the staff recommendation to eliminate all but one of the large
picnic pavilions, and seek volunteer assistance for erecting additional
sheltered picnic areas. Several organizations have expressed an
interest in individual projects on the island, and picnic shelters maybe
an appropriate mechanism for their participation. If this can not be
accomplished with volunteers, then other means can be explored to
design and erect several appropriate structures.
Total: $18,000
9. 'the total estimate of the items above is based on the bids submitted
previously by contractors, and is approximately $221,300. This
allows for some flexibility relative to constructing a few small
boardwalks over wet areas, as necessary, and to address limited land
clearing.
AGENDA ITEM #8B
FEBRUARY 26, 200]
To be eliminated:
1. 500 Lf of boardwalks at an expense of approximately $162,000, (This
is 3 times the estimate on a per foot basis);
2. Floating Dock at an expense of $20,000; (Jacksonville is building a
floating dock on the South end of the Island, and this can be added in
the future if desired)
3. 48 Picnic tables at a cost between $57,000 to $83,000, recycled
plastic recommended by COAB;
4. 10 Trash receptacles at a cost of $8,000 to $11,000; recycled plastic
recommended by COAB;
5. 9 Pavilions at a cost of $108,000 to $267,000, recycled plastic
recommended by COAB;
6. 15 Benches at a cost of $13,000, recycled plastic recommended by
COAB;
7. Trail stabilization at a cost of approximately $40,000.
Budget:
The budget for this project for fiscal year 2000-2001 is $250,000, with 50% (up to
$125,000) funded by the Florida Inland Navigation District. The estimated costs of
the priority projects are approximately'$221,300. Included in the project is up to
$40,000 reimbursement from the Jacksonville Port Authority for the freshwater
marsh creation.
Recommendation:
To approve the recommendations in the staff report, and authorize staff to submit the
revisions to the Florida Inland Navigation District for approval.
After obtaining FIND approval, to authorize staff to advertise for bids for the construction of
the Dutton Island Park.
Attachments: None
Reviewed by City Manager- 1- ~~
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