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At least one Sedgwick County commissioner is questioning whether a proposed $53,500 handicapped-accessible fishing dock and picnic area at Vic's Lake are necessary.
Commissioners deferred a vote on the project last week because board member Richard Ranzau expressed concerns about the price.
The dock would replace one taken out of service at one of the four lakes at Sedgwick County Park, 6501 W. 21st St.
Ranzau said that he is not opposed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act but, "given our current financial situation, how much sense does it make to have an ADA dock?"
He also expressed concern about liability issues.
The dock would have a rubberized surface, Assistant County Manager Ron Holt said at a recent meeting. The project also would include a parking lot. The cost of the dock itself is about $26,000.
There are six fishing docks at the park's lakes.
Two remain at Vic's Lake. One is enclosed, and one has hand rails. The proposed dock would replace one that was closed this year because of safety concerns.
The park has one dock at Moss Lake, two docks at Tom Scott Lake and one dock at Horseshoe Lake.
None of the docks is ADA-compliant, and all are at least 20 years old. The covered dock at Vic's Lake is in the best condition, county staff says.
Only one of the docks would need to be ADA compliant.
County Manager William Buchanan said the county could remove all the docks to avoid ADA compliance.
But he said building the dock would be his preference.
"It's the law, and it's the right thing to do," he said.
The county's board of bids and contracts has recommended hiring DanCo Enterprises, which submitted the lowest bid.
The majority of companies contacted by the county did not bid on the project, saying the project was too small or did not fit their schedule.
