Council awards $2.7 million contract for JR Martin Park improvements

The Republic City Council voted unanimously, 8-0, to award a $2.7 million construction contract to Nesbitt Construction Inc. for improvements at JR Martin Park, including a large market pavilion, plaza space, dedicated food-truck areas, expanded parking, trail connections and a concession/storage building. The project is funded with a mix of remaining bond proceeds, parks sales-tax funds, a short-term loan from the general fund and a parks capital surplus. The contract includes a substantial completion date of June 1, 2026.

The project was brought forward by Chris Parks, parks and recreation director, who told the council the work was identified as part of the parks capital improvement sales tax program approved by voters in 2022. "Staff recommends the approval of Nesbitt Construction as the general contractor for the JR Martin project and to authorize the use of the identified funding sources in the amount of $2,700,000," Parks said.

Parks described the funding breakdown presented to council: $1.3 million as the remaining balance from the 2023 series bond; $1.0 million from a combination of $500,000 in parks capital improvement sales-tax revenue and a $500,000 loan from the general fund at an interest rate of 3.25%; and $400,000 from a parks capital improvement sales-tax surplus, for a total project funding package of $2,700,000. The recommended contract amount reflects the base bid plus bid alternates 1, 3, 4 and 5, as shown on the bid tabulation submitted to council.

Council members asked logistical questions. When asked about a start date, Parks said, "We don't have a start date, but it's gotta be as soon as possible. We have a substantial completion date of 06/01/2026, to make sure that we have this project done before the Have a Blast event at the end of the month of next year." On traffic and school access, Parks said the existing drive used by nearby schools will remain open until the new south drive lane (bid alternate 4) is constructed, and then traffic flow will be routed to that new lane to reduce queuing onto Heinz Street.

The council approved the resolution to award the bid and authorize the use of the identified funds by voice vote; the record shows the motion carried 8-0-0. Council directed staff to complete contract documents and move forward with contractor mobilization.

The action implements a voter-approved parks capital program but does not itself change tax rates. The council did not set a start date at the meeting; Parks said mobilization and contracting paperwork would proceed quickly so the contractor can begin work ahead of the June 1, 2026 completion milestone.