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Parks 8~ Community Services Director Jim Wolfe presented the agenda report, said the Friends of Gingerbread Parent Group got the project started with a $12,000 contribution, said staff approached the Council in the 2006/07 year, allocated about $45,000, hired a firm to complete an initial study and he gave a short presentation of the playground equipment, students working in the design of the project, objectives, and the project timeline. If Council approves the project and amendment to the contract, staff expec_a to return in April for approval of the bid specifications, go out to bid and award the contract in May, with construction to start in June. Mr. Wolfe said also added are building renovations necessary and he asked for approval for funding from the Building Renovation Fund. In addition, rather than closing on two occasions staff has identified a schedule which would allow them to shut down once during the summer and they would be up and running in the fall. He discussed the various costs of bid specifications, amendment costs, and facility improvement costs. Councilmember Thorne confirmed with staff that the plan had a mud pit play area, which is considered one of the most favorite places. Councilmember McGovern confirmed the play yard area was being increased by about 40 feet, and questioned parking lot concerns. Mr. Wolfe said the Parks and Recreation Commission raised concerns as well and given the potential cost, this would be reviewed as part of the CIP. He said the FOG Board supports improvement to the building and play yard, and the parking lot will be addressed in the future. Mayor Hosterman opened the item for public comment. Jill Maratsos, President of the Friends of Gingerbread Preschool Board, introduced 3 year old Jason who discussed his favorite parts of the playground. Ms. Maratsos said this was her last year as a Gingerbread mother and boardmember, read a quote from a former mother and kindergarten teacher describing how the school prepares the children for the real world, how play equipment promotes physical, emotional, sensory development and growth and asked the Council to approve the playground. Heidi Bailey said the preschool is a unique jewel for children, spoke of the school's philosophy of learning through play, said teachers are constantly educating themselves, their playground has wonderful imaginative things and thanked the Council for their support. Councilmember McGovem confirmed that the Friends' donation was approximately $24,000 in total. Regarding the $45,000 of the City's contribution, $17,000 of this is not currently allocated and she asked if the Council could approve the $17,000 to go to the school for additional projects. City Manager Fialho said staff could work further with Jackie Keller and the FOG Board and determine what monies could be dedicated toward the school and return to Council. Motion: It was m/s Thorne/McGovern to conceptually approve the play yard design with improvements to Gingerbread Preschool; allocated $40,000 from the City's Capital Improvement Reserve for the contract amendment with Keller Mitchell & Co. for the development of construction documents for Gingerbread Preschool Play Yard, CIP #067015; and authorized facility improvements from the City's Facility Renovation Fund, not to exceed $345,000; and direct staff to allocate the remaining $17,000 to the school for additional projects Motion passed by the following vote: City Council Minutes 6 January 15, 2008