BEMIDJI-The Bemidji City Council authorized an agreement Monday hiring a consultant to assist the development of the South Shore Park.
Professional consulting services, which will be provided by EAPC Architects Engineers through the $35,650 agreement with the city, will include finalizing the design of the park project, preparing bidding and construction documents, bidding the project and providing construction and closeout services.
The city wants to create a beach and park in an area on Lake Bemidji's south shore between the Nymore boat access and the Sanford Center. The city has worked with contractors the past few months to remove wood chips and timber debris from the shoreline.
The next step of the development includes renovating a beach house already on site, creating pedestrian walkways and access, developing the beach, providing park amenities and installing pedestrian lighting.
EAPC's bid of $35,650 was one of two the city received for consulting services. The other was from Widseth Smith Nolting for $51,150. According to Marcia Larson, director of Parks and Recreation, EAPC was chosen because of the cost as well as the company's capacity to perform all aspects of the project and their experience with similar projects.
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Council member Dave Larson abstained from the vote to approve the agreement with EAPC because he works with the company.
In other news
A public hearing was held Monday on amending city ordinances to allow the use of skateboards, roller skates and rollerblades downtown. The amendment would relax the ban of those items both in the downtown area as well as on recreational trails.
The council heard from both sides of the argument Monday. Dissenting opinions centered mainly on safety concerns and lack of supervision during night hours. Those in favor of the amendment discussed how the reformed ordinance is a good compromise as it keeps skaters off of the sidewalks.
After hearing from residents, Bemidji City Attorney Alan Felix recommended the council continue the public hearing and postpone the second reading until the Dec. 7 meeting to allow for more comments. The council approved Felix's suggestion.
The council also heard a summary of the six-month review on Bemidji City Manager Nate Mathews' performance. The review was done by Springsted Inc.
Sharon Klumpp of Springsted said, "Nate Mathews is off to a solid start; his communications style and efforts of getting to know the City Council, staff and the community are very much appreciated by the City Council."
"We are extremely impressed with you, Nate," council member Nancy Erickson said. "I got that impression from all of the council. And it's not just the City Council, but from the community and the staff. Everyone is happy that you are here."
