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Housing & Redevelopment Authority <br />February 6, 2012 <br />Page 3 <br />• an "unknown" clause is included. Mr. Fortner explained that if an unlmown was discovered, the bid <br />would be corrected by change orders, if needed, and would be brought back for approval. <br />Chair Wilson asked if anychange orders were required. Mr. Ruprecht stated no. Commissioner <br />Toth stated that he felt the bid was rather high. He stated he was surprised that the city did not have <br />a clause to protect itself from unknown costs. Mr. Ruprecht stated that there was a range in bids and <br />he was surprised theywere not higher. He noted that some asbestos as found in layers of the floor in <br />720 Main Street. Commissioner Toth asked if samples were taken before bidding. Mr. Ruprecht <br />stated yes. Commissioner Toth asked if testing was done inaccurately. Mr. Fortner stated that the <br />testing is dependent on access to the materials, using the best inforn~ation theyhave at the time, <br />using a consultant who has experience in this field, and is done to the best of his knowledge. Mr. <br />Ruprecht explained that there was no way to have found the asbestos, other than by doing the <br />demolition, since the asbestos was buried in concrete. <br />Chair Wilson stated that in the future, a contingency could be built into demolition projects for <br />unknowns. Commissioner Motin stated that it is not possible for the cityto entirelyprotect itself <br />from unknowns. He stated that contractors cannot be expected to bid with cost built in for <br />unknowns; the bids would be too high. <br />It was the consensus of the HRA to have staff reviewthe shared wall agreement to determine the <br />city's responsibility for the wall improvements. <br />7. 716 & 720 Main Street Site Improvements <br />Mr. Wilfahrt reviewed previous strategic planning and goals that can be applied to the downtown <br />HRA site, as detailed in the staff report for this issue dated March 5, 2012. He explained that staff is <br />looking for direction on howto proceed with design of the space. <br />Commissioner Toth stated that he would like ideas from the downtown business owners, as well as <br />ideas to beautifythe site. <br />City Administrator Cal Fortner stated that staff suggests utilizing professional design services, and <br />bringing the downtown businesses to develop a plan for the site. Mr. Wilfahrt stated that staff did <br />meet with the businesses owners for their input. <br />Commissioner Toth asked if staff could provide design services. Mr. Fortner stated that staff could <br />design the space, but would not be able to provide costs. <br />C1~air Wilson stated that there maybe infrastructure that needs to be dealt with. <br />Conunissioner Toth stated it was his recollection that staff designed the riverside park space. <br />Commissioner Motin stated that staff assisted the professional in the design. <br />Commissioner Motin stated he did not want to lose parking due to the design of the space. <br />Commissioner Kuester questioned many spaces could be created. Commissioner Motin stated he did <br />not want to have only 15 spaces if there could be 27 or more. <br />Chair Wilson stated that he would like to see the site be designed as aestheticallypleasing as possible. <br />• Fred McCoy, representing the River's Edge downtown business owners, stated that he spoke with <br />quite a few business owners and they expressed a desire to have some green space in the area closest <br />