The Orting City Council voted down a proposed professional services contract with McLeod Record to design a realignment of the Foothills Trail through Main Park. The motion would have authorized the mayor to execute a contract not to exceed $225,801 and directed staff to prepare a budget amendment moving $66,367 from the general fund if additional reauthorized PSRC funds were not secured.

Staff explained the Foothills Trail project is intended to reduce conflicts among pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles in the park and to implement elements of the Main Park master plan. The original grant application used a planning‑level cost estimate that did not include topographic and boundary survey, cultural resources evaluation, permitting, more detailed retaining wall design, stormwater work, signage/wayfinding or public outreach. Staff said the consultant’s negotiated design fee ($225,801) reflected those necessary additions; staff said the PSRC has indicated it may reauthorize unused regional funds to cover the shortfall but that the agency’s confirmation would arrive in September.

Several council members and members of the public raised concerns about potential impacts to park features, including a sandstone wall and the Veterans Memorial wall; council asked whether those elements would be relocated and whether their historic or community value had been documented. Staff said design is the stage to document conflicts and propose relocations, not a commitment to remove heritage features; public outreach and review were included in the scope.

Councilmember Tracy spoke against proceeding at this time, citing community sentiment to preserve park character. At the roll call the motion failed; staff said they will continue to pursue reauthorization of PSRC funds and other construction funding and may return when funding and scope are better defined.

Outcome: Motion to contract with McLeod Record for up to $225,801 and prepare a budget amendment if needed failed on roll call (council vote reported as 1 in favor, 6 opposed).