The Bainbridge Island City Council decided Monday to consider expanding the city’s contract with Studio Cascade, the design consultant hired to assist with design work for the Waterfront Park and city dock makeover.

During next week’s business meeting, the council will vote whether to pay the consultant an additional $49,788 to speed up its city dock designs in time for a state deadline for grant applications.

“This would do those design steps necessary to enhance and complete a grant application that would compete for a separate [Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office] grant for water recreation facilities,” said Public Works Director Barry Loveless.

The design contract’s original scope of work did not set the city dock as one of its highest priorities. It required a general design, but nothing further until later in the design process.

Because of this, the contract also did not account for the costs to have a dock project prepared in time for the state recreation grant process.

After several public meetings and workshops with the community, though, the consultants concluded the replacement or expansion of the city dock was a priority and should be included in the park’s master plan designs.

By expanding the contract, the consultants will develop drawings for the entire boat launch and a 30 percent plan for the floating dock facilities.

The plan will consider various elements such as the dock’s utilities, including potable water and lighting; the environmental and structural design criteria; and a design arrangement that includes provisions for a police boat slip.

With this, the consultants will conduct a marine survey and conceptualize the dock’s necessary electrical systems. They will also determine how far the float can extend given the depth of the water and the current lease limits.

In addition, a project design criteria report will be developed to consider the environmental and structural needs of the dock that accounts for wind, waves and wakes.

If the amendment to the consultant’s original contract is approved next week, a work session with city staff will be scheduled to begin the next phases of the dock design immediately.

Grant applications must be submitted by July 1.