Roseville Council Allocates $200,000 to Streamline Park Renewal Program
The city's spending is aimed at making the $19 million park renewal program more efficient.
The Roseville City Council agreed to give an Arizona State University (ASU) research group $200,000 over three years for a business plan that will streamline the implementation of the city’s $19 million park renewal program - and save the community money over the long haul.
The city used the ASU “procurement method” on the geothermal project at the Roseville's skating center, and parks and recreation director Lonnie Brokke said the method led to cost savings in cost and time.
The renewal program will revitalize trails, courts, playgrounds and fields at recreational facilities across the city.
“The idea of this program is to train the city to use it for all their projects,” Brokke said.
Brokke said the method, which was recommended to the Council by the parks board, eliminates the need for an outside construction manager, secures the highest performing contractors, reduces management time, and provides a measurement of performance.
“There is a 98 percent performance history of projects coming in on time and on budget,” Brokke said.
Council member Robert Willmus said the city would save $200,000 to $400,00 on not having to use an outside construction manager, less than the cost of the ASU procurement method.
“By going with ASU I think with [this] process you do get the best result,” he said.
Jim H
9:17 am on Thursday, January 12, 2012
Firstly, I do not agree that $19 Million dollars is necessary to up grade the "parks". It may be necessary to construct more competitive sports facilities, but that is not how the statement is put out. Parks are usually what residents use, and that seems like a lot of money per resident. Providing facilities that draw people from around the metro area involves more that parks - i believe.
I am also saddened that the $200,000 has to be allotted to ASU for help in spending this money. Apparently there is no person or group in the state of Minnesota who is qualified to handle what is being done by the ASU folks. That speaks badly of the tremendous amounts of money that this state spends on education and government agencies.