Agenda Packet January 5, 2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To City Council Item Number 4.6 Meeting Date January 5, 2026 Prepared By Justin Femrite, Public Works Director/Chief Engineer Item Description Plants and Things Playground Shade Structure Reviewed by Justin Femrite Cal Portner Jolene Richter Action Requested Approve, by motion, the removal and return of the playground shade structure. Background/Discussion For the past two years, staff have been working on a suitable solution for the failed shade structure at the Plants and Things Athletic Complex. The structure was constructed in 2023 for $146,319.35. During the first season of use, staff noticed the structure’s poles leaning due to the wind loading on the fabric shade sails. With no suitable opportunities for a re-engineered solution to support the system, staff have negotiated a refund of 80% of the original cost from the vendors (Landscape Structures Inc. and Flagship Recreation). A breakdown of the system costs and proposed refund is attached. Staff recommends accepting the offer and returning the system. Staff suggests using a portion of the refund for a safety netting system or considering other safety alternatives, up to and including potentially moving the playground structure to a safer location. Alternative safety options would be presented to the Council for consideration at a future meeting. Financial Impact The refund of $117,055.55 will go back into the Park Improvement Fund. Mission/Policy/Goal Meet Changing Needs - Agile Attachments 1. Elk River YAC Shade_Proposed Return-Refund Page 54 of 99