There were cheaper ways to solve the problem. But sometimes cost isn't the only factor in a decision.
The Augusta Historical Society faced a situation recently where they had to decide how important aesthetics were to them. They put their money - and after Monday's City Council meeting, some of the city's money - into a more expensive, but far more attractive solution to the problem.
During the Streetscape project, a retaining wall that varies in height from 24 to 32 inches was constructed around an area where some Historical Society events - including the approaching Yesteryear Fair - are held.
Historical Society President Eldon Foreman was quick to acknowledge that there was no code issue with the retaining wall, but he did believe there might be a liability issue.
It's a safety issue," Foreman told the council Monday. "We hold activities in that area and we just don't want anyone to get hurt."
They could have decided to put up a cheaper chain link fence, but that solution didn't satisfy the museum board. They offered to pay $1,890 of the cost of a wrought iron fence if the city would pay $700. The museum would pay to install the fence.
"Shame on us for not recognizing this problem in the first place," Councilor Robert Griffith said.
City Attorney David All was questioned about the city's liability if an incident involved the retaining wall. He said each situation was different, but the city and the museum would likely be included as defendants in any legal action.
"To me, $700 is reasonable to avoid a lawsuit," Councilor Holly Harper said.
One major concern was where the money will come from.
City Manager Bill Keefer asked Councilor Mike Huddleston to specify which account the $700 should come from in his motion. Huddleston recognized that this was a departure from a normal motion.
"If you direct me to fund it, we'll find the money someplace," Keefer said. "I just need to know where the money will come from because there is no contingency money left in the Streetscape fund."
Keefer was referring to a recent incident where the amount of concrete needed for a block of sidewalks was underestimated by about $45,000 due to a superimposed number on calculations by Goedecke Engineering.
That error, in addition to several change orders approved previously, will make it difficult to keep the project under budget. In fact the city could be forced to use general fund money to cover any additional miscalculations or underestimations.
"I'm not trying to be sarcastic when I ask about where to get the $700," Keefer said. "I just need to know where you want it to come from."
Huddleston's motion received a second and was approved by a 6-2 vote with Matt Childers and
Tom Leffler voting against spending the $700 on the fence project.
