After a public hearing and staff presentation, the Council Bluffs City Council approved a resolution naming Sudbeck Homes as the preferred builder for the East Manawa Phase 1 housing project, but the approval is expressly contingent on Sudbeck providing proof of secured project financing to the Community Development Director by close of business Aug. 6.
Courtney Harter, Community Development Director, explained the selection process and said the review panel weighted proposals 75 percent for prior experience and 25 percent for the number of units a builder committed to. Harter said Davis-Bacon (prevailing wage) experience and the ability to manage federal compliance were critical factors: “The necessary experience was obviously the biggest weight because we need someone that can perform. This is a quick timeline and we wanted someone that could have a really streamlined process,” Harter said.
Council discussion focused on financing letters, Davis-Bacon staffing and contractor track record. Some councilmembers urged getting a bank commitment before approving a preferred builder; staff noted lenders commonly provide conditional or contingent letters and that final construction financing is often assembled during early project steps. The council ultimately approved the resolution with the Aug. 6 financing deadline to allow staff time to confirm documentation; councilmembers directed staff to require the financing proof before executing a construction contract.
Ending: Harter said staff would work with the selected builder on contract terms and require the financing documentation before contract execution; if Sudbeck fails to meet the deadline, staff will proceed to the next qualified proposer.