The City Council declined to approve Change Order #5 to SmithGroup's shoreline contract — a requested design effort to convert GEI Concept 1B for a permanent dog‑beach ramp — and instead directed staff to pursue competitive procurement for a design‑build contract based on Plan 1B.

Councilmember Kelly moved to reconsider and then to approve the SmithGroup change order, arguing the firm had previously been engaged and could produce the design efficiently. Opponents said SmithGroup’s prior proposal and cost estimates appeared high and flagged the risk that single‑sourcing design work could limit competition and increase construction costs.

Assistant City Engineer Chris Seuss explained that GEI’s Concept 1B had been a conceptual rendering and that SmithGroup’s $38,900 change order covered the technical design phase only; construction cost estimates for a permanent concrete ramp were broader and could range well above GEI’s original Mobimat figures. "Those estimates were concept-level; additional surveying and preliminary engineering are needed," Seuss said.

Councilmembers debated procurement options: some urged immediate action to avoid further delays and rising construction inflation; others argued for more competitive prices and recommended an RFP or design‑build process. After voting down the SmithGroup change order (3 in favor, 6 opposed), council unanimously directed staff to issue an RFP for a design‑build contract based on Plan 1B so bidders could submit all‑in proposals that include design and construction pricing.

Council members stressed the importance of ADA compliance and of ensuring the preferred plan reflects mobility‑limited users’ needs. The council’s direction keeps the project moving while opening the work to competition and a broader set of firms familiar with lakefront geotechnical conditions.