Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc. for the Willow Creek Demolition and Clearing Project. The contract amount is $92,800.00, with a contingency of $32,200.00, for a total of $125,000.00 being authorized by this ordinance.
This contract is for the demolition of three residential structures, as well as, the associated utilities and sanitary sewer. It also includes tree clearing which must be completed by the end of March 2026 to comply with Indiana Bat habitat protection requirements. All other demolition work is anticipated to be completed by August 2026.
This demolition work is to be completed in preparation for the future construction of the larger Willow Creek Park Improvements Project. The improvements will renovate the existing community park by providing new playgrounds, a new shelter, and sports courts. Additional improvements will include a new park entrance at Gantz Road and expanded parking. There will also be a new gravel path, native plantings, and a nature play space within the currently undeveloped natural areas.
Vendor Bid/Proposal Submissions (Office of Diversity and Inclusion designation status):
Bids were advertised through Vendor Services and Bid Express, in accordance with City Code Section 329, on December 18, 2025, and received by the Recreation and Parks Department on January 8, 2026. Bids were received from the following companies:
Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc.: $92,800
Duffey Tree Services: $148,480.00
Russell Tree Services: $170,713.00
Pummell Construction Services: $252,850.00
After reviewing the bids that were submitted, it was determined that Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc. was the lowest and most responsive bidder. Procon Professional Construction Services, Inc and all proposed subcontractors have met code requirements with respect to prequalification, pursuant to relevant sections of Columbus City Code Chapter 329.
Principal Parties:
Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc.
2530 Kingston Pike
Circleville, Ohio 43113
Tony Dumm, (740) 474-5455
Contract Compliance Number: 005817
Contract Compliance Expiration Date: February 15, 2026
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested in order to allow tree clearing to occur before March 31, 2026, to comply with Indiana Bat habitat protection requirements.
Benefits to the Public: This project is the first step towards significant improvements to the existing Willow Creek Park, which is one of the primary community parks serving the Southwest Community. The final phase of the project will open additional access to blueways and natural areas while improving active park amenities.
Community Input/Issues: Improvements to Willow Creek were first considered due to letters of interest received from the Southwest Area Commission. During the master planning and design process, Recreation and Parks held three open houses and community meetings.
Area(s) Affected: Southwest (59)
Master Plan Relation: This project will support the Recreation and Parks Master Plan by renovating neighborhood and community parks. These improvements will expand access to quality parks and natural areas for an underserved community.
Fiscal Impact: $125,000.00 is budgeted and available from within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 to meet the financial obligations of this expenditure.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to enter into contract with Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc. for the Willow Creek Demolition and Clearing Project; to authorize the transfer of $125,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget; to authorize the expenditure of $125,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($125,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the Director of the Recreation and Parks to enter into contract with Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc. for the Willow Creek Demolition and Clearing Project; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the transfer of $125,000.00 within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the amendment of the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this and future projects; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to authorize the expenditure of $125,000.00 from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operations of the Recreation and Parks Department in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Director to enter into contract with Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc. in order to allow tree clearing to occur before March 31, 2026, to comply with Indiana Bat habitat protection requirements, all for the immediate preservation of the public health, peace, property, safety, and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department be and is hereby authorized to enter into contract with Procon, Professional Construction Services, Inc. for the Willow Creek Demolition and Clearing Project.
SECTION 2. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 3. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized to transfer the unencumbered balance in a project account to the unallocated balance account within the same fund upon receipt of certification by the Director of the Department administering said project that the project has been completed and the monies are no longer required for said project.
SECTION 5. That the transfer of $125,000.00 or so much thereof as may be needed, is hereby authorized between projects within the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 per the account codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That the 2025 Capital Improvements Budget Ordinance 1790-2025 is hereby amended as follows in order to provide sufficient budget authority for this ordinance and future projects.
Fund / Project / Project Name / Current Revised Authority / Current Remaining Authority / Change / Amended Revised Authority / Amended Remaining Authority
Fund 7702 / P511094-100000 / Hayden Park Improvements and North Star Project Phase 2 (Voted Carryover) / $208,000 / $208,000 / ($150,000) / $58,000 / $58,000 (to match cash)
Fund 7702 / P512033-100000 / Hauntz, Helsel and Willow Creek Park Improvements (Voted Carryover) / $250,000 / $250,000 / ($249,626) / $374 / $374 (to match cash)
Fund 7702 / P511094-100000 / Hayden Park Improvements and North Star Project Phase 2 (Voted Carryover) / $58,000 / $58,000/ ($58,000) / $0 / $0
Fund 7702 / P512048-100000 / Westland Reforestation (Voted Carryover) / $100,000 / $100,000 / ($67,000) / $33,000 / $33,000
Fund 7702 / P512033-100000 / Hauntz, Helsel and Willow Creek Park Improvements (Voted Carryover) / $374 / $374 / $125,000 / $125,374 / $125,374
SECTION 7. That for the purpose stated in Section 1, the expenditure of $125,000.00, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the cost thereof, be and is hereby authorized from the Recreation and Parks Voted Bond Fund 7702 in object class 06 Capital Outlay per the accounting codes in the attachments to this ordinance.
SECTION 8. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.