All but $180k of $2.674 million paid by grants to fund McFee Park Phase 4
Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen moved toward starting Phase 4 of McFee Park, the construction of a parking lot and pavilion, by unanimously approving a construction contract during its regular meeting Thursday, Sept. 12.
The Board approved the bid from The Franklin Group, LLC., for $2.674 million.
“This contract (with The Franklin Group) includes construction of a 127-space permeable paver parking lot around the western end of the loop at McFee Park,” Town engineer Darryl Smith said. “It also includes a pavilion, trailhead and associated site improvements to include irrigation, lighting and landscaping.” “The permeable pavers allow increased infiltration of stormwater runoff while providing a durable and beautiful finished product,” he added.
“We had an awful lot of interest in this project prior to bidding. Unfortunately, we only received one bid on Aug. 6.:
That bid “was from Franklin Group, LLC, for $2,674,000,” Smith said. “The Franklin Group has not worked for the Town in the past, but they have worked with our consultant, Ross/Fowler, who recommends them.
“This project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and a grant from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation,” he added.
With Alderman Drew Burnette making the motion to approve, he pointed out while the bid was high, AARPA and TDEC are paying all but $180,000 of the cost.
“That is a huge, huge help,” Burnette added.
Still, Mayor Ron Williams questioned why there was only one bid. “Do you think (the project) was more than some of the other bidders could do?” the mayor asked.
“I don’t think so,” Smith answered. “I know a couple of the potential bidders that have done bigger projects, so I think it was all within their range.”
He added Franklin Group is a local bidder.
On another note, the Board unanimously approved, on first reading, a request from Turkey Creek Land Partners, LLC., to rezone Parcel 19.1, 1.57 acres south of Home Federal Bank, near Publix, from Office District (O-1-3), which allows up to three stories, to General Commercial (C-1).
Community Development director Mark Shipley said the parcel is the last undeveloped tract in the Turkey Creek development. While it abuts North Campbell Station Road, it is accessed through a joint access easement shared with Home Federal Bank and Publix shopping center.
Although the Office district does not allow restaurants, Shipley said the developer has been approached with different restaurant concepts.
In separate business, the Board divided up its presence on Town committees during its workshop before the meeting.
The mayor will continue to serve on the Arts & Beautification Committee, and Burnette on the Parks & Athletics Council.
Alderman David White will serve on the Visual Resources Review Board while Alderman Alex Cain will serve on the Tourism and Visitor Committee and Education Relations Committee. Vice Mayor/Alderman Scott Meyer on the Stormwater Committee and Williams on the Museum Committee.
The Board also proclaimed Tuesday, Sept. 17, through Monday, Sept. 23 as Constitution Week in Town.
