The Toquerville City Council on Tuesday authorized an alternative procurement process to negotiate a contract to complete Westfield Park, after staff said the project faces a funding shortfall and complex construction sequencing.

City staff told council the park is roughly 25% complete and that remaining work — including concrete slabs for pavilions, a proposed pickleball area and other site work — requires specialized contractors. The packet presented to council identified a shortfall of $176,000 for the project. Public Works staff said some landscaping and nonstructural tasks could be completed by city crews to lower costs, but major concrete work and court installation would need a contractor.

Councilmembers raised technical concerns about staging and durability: several members said pavilions appear set at elevations that may conflict with slab pours and embed details, and cautioned that pouring concrete after bolt/anchor placement could cause cracking and future repairs. Staff responded that contractor warranties and contract terms can be structured to address rework and that some contractors carry licensed professional engineers on staff and will provide shop drawings.

Rather than authorizing new engineering and a formal design-to-bid package, the council voted to allow staff to pursue an alternative procurement path and to negotiate a contract with the most responsive bidder from the three written quotes the city received. The mayor moved the measure; council approved it by roll call. Staff said negotiations will return to council for contract approval and that the city may require warranty or completion bonds as part of final terms.

Councilmembers said they favored finishing the park but insisted on contract protections and clearer scope language to protect the city against future rework. Staff agreed to provide updated pricing, scope and proposed warranty terms before executing a construction contract.