During the meeting, the council engaged in a discussion about the potential alterations to the bid for the construction project. One of the primary points of contention was whether to include additional items such as backstops for softball fields, bathroom tiling, and granite curbing as alternates in the bidding process. The council members deliberated the impact of these additions on the project budget and prioritized items based on the original project goals. The need for a healthy contingency was acknowledged due to the inclusion of innovative technologies in the project.

The council members discussed at length the inclusion of a backstop, tile, and granite curbing in the construction project. Opinions varied on the priority of these elements. Certain members highlighted the community’s needs and usability of outdoor spaces as a rationale for the inclusion of the backstop. The tile in bathrooms and stair halls was discussed as a high-priority element due to its potential value in reducing maintenance costs. Estimators were mentioned for their role in providing conservative estimates, and the risks associated with including certain elements as alternates or change orders during construction were considered.

A unanimous vote led to the incorporation of the backstop into the base documents for the project, with three members absent from the vote. The inclusion of granite curbing sparked a debate concerning the impact on the construction document process and where it would be necessary to avoid potential damage from plow trucks. After a discussion, the motion to include the granite curbing in the base bid was passed, with one member abstaining due to cost concerns. A provision for future reconsideration was suggested, should the cost turn out to be higher than comfortable in the future.

Additionally, the council reviewed the necessity and cost of adding tile in the bathrooms. The council also approved a package of invoices totaling $694,768 for various services related to the ongoing construction project.