Board continues Fabick Nature Preserve overlook work, awaits more bids

The Fenton Park Board on Aug. 4 discussed progress on improvements at the Fabick Nature Preserve overlook and agreed to continue the item to next month while staff pursues additional contractor bids and coordinates scheduling.

Board staff said invasive-species removal is underway under an expanded contract and that the overlook’s staircase work will begin once a nearby pavilion project finishes. Nikki, parks staff, told the board that “the staircase will begin as soon as the contractor can get on-site” and that the city scheduled the overlook and the Budweil Pavilion work to be done together to lower costs.

The city has approved masonry repairs to the overlook wall but has received only one bid for a replacement fence. Nikki said the board prefers a steel fence — likely black and with slats — and asked staff to seek additional quotes to ensure a fair price. Dan Howard, floodplain manager, confirmed some fence sections must remain in the existing stonework while other sections will be placed off the wall; masonry work will include repairs around any poles that remain in the stone.

Discussion vs. decision: the board did not award any new contracts during the meeting. Board members agreed to continue the matter to the next meeting so staff can obtain additional fencing bids and confirm contractor sequencing; no formal contract award was recorded at this meeting.

The continuation preserves the board’s ability to review additional bids and cost comparisons before finalizing fence materials or contractor selection. Staff said they will report back next month with any new quotes or scheduling updates.