Buhr, Cobblestone Project OK’d

At its Feb. 28, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor park advisory commission unanimously recommended approval of a $865,190 contract for road, parking and other exterior renovations at Buhr Park and Cobblestone Farm. The contract, which requires approval by city council, would be awarded to Fonson Inc.

Fonson submitted the second lowest of 10 bids. The contract includes a $786,536 base bid plus a $78,654 (10%) contingency for possible change orders. Funding would come from the park maintenance and capital improvements millage, as well as the park rehabilitation and development millage. According to a staff memo, the lowest bid received was from Pranam Global Tech for $499,000. However, no paving subcontractors were listed and no testing fees were included, which were both requirements of the bid.

Among other things, Fonson’s work would include resurfacing the road, expanding the parking lot at Cobblestone for about 15 spaces, and creating a pedestrian pathway system. The project also includes stormwater management features, such as a bioswale, porous pavement, and stormwater basins to improve water quality.

This brief was filed from the PAC meeting in the second-floor council chambers at city hall, 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]