Okaloosa County BOCC — April 15, 2014 — Action Item Printout — reading text

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: April 15, 2014 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: John Hofstad SUBJECT: Veterans Park Wooden Pedestrian Bridge DEPARTMENT: Public Works BCC DISTRICT: Two STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Approval to purchase material to rebuild the wooden pedestrian walk bridge across Memorial Pond located in Veterans Park on Okaloosa Island and additional material to modify the recently constructed walking trail located on the east side of the property. BACKGROUND and ANALYSIS: The pedestrian bridge across Memorial Pond has deteriorated and is need of repair. In the past, the bridge was used as a cart path for patrons of the old par 3 golf course. The closure of the golf course after Hurricane Ivan left most of the site and support facilities, including the pedestrian bridge, in disrepair. The Gulf Coast Marine Life Center has agreed to provide the labor for the repairs to the bridge with Okaloosa County supplying material. The existing bridge was 8 ft wide and 170 ft long. As part of the Phase I improvements to Veterans Park, plans call for reconstructing the bridge to its original width and length. The bridge, when repaired, will tie into the newly constructed pedestrian walkway on the east and west side of the pond allowing pedestrians to cross over the pond. A materials cost estimate has been prepared and the linear foot estimate is $61.73, for a total cost of $10,500.00. Funds for the materials are available utilizing the existing Facility Lease fees for the two leased parcels fronting US Hwy 98. In addition to this project, Public Works staff is in the process of completing the Phase 1 walking trail through the east end of the Veterans Park property ($26,068 spent to date). As our staff neared completion of the project, some concerns were raised as to the ability of the path to accommodate disabled patrons. While staff cannot change the topography of the parcel to meet ADA construction standards, further hardened improvements can be made to the path to accommodate disabled patrons. This modification would require decking the recently installed walking path at a cost of $20,000. It should be noted that decking the walking path will not ensure full compliance with ADA standards. However, this would be considered a “reasonable” accommodation given the site constraints on the property. As stated above, the County cannot secure permits through the State or US Army Corps of Engineers to alter the topography of the land since it is considered a protected Coastal Dune system. This alone would make it nearly impossible to meet grading requirements consistent with ADA standards. OPTIONS: Approve/disapprove the purchase of materials needed for the pedestrian bridge repairs and modifications to the Phase 1 walking trail. RECOMMENDATIONS: Approve purchase of materials at an estimated cost of $10,500.00 for the pedestrian bridge across Memorial Pond and $20,000 for modifications to the Phase 1 walking trail on the east end of the property utilizing Facility Lease fee funds. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: Ernie Padgett, County Administrator