Kerrville EIC hears progress reports on Kelly Theatre, Olympic Pool, golf course and other bond projects

City staff provided progress updates and potential budget moves on multiple projects funded by the Quality of Life bond, reporting construction progress at the Kelly Theatre, bids and value‑engineering work on the Olympic Pool, turf work and bridge work at the golf course, ongoing interior and systems work at the Shriner house, state review pending for Granger McDonald, and open playgrounds at Guadalupe and KSP.

The updates began with the Kelly Theatre, where staff said construction began in March and is expected to be substantially complete by March 31. The contract is with Guido Construction; staff said the contractor agreement line item is listed as “2.99” (reported in discussion as 2.99), and that the project budgeted roughly $4,000,000 and that current costs are “just shy of 3” (reported in the meeting). Staff also said there is a deductive alternate in the contract for roofing types and that Playhouse 2000 has requested a set of tenant‑requested improvements (seating, some lighting/security work and repainting of the overhang) that staff will bring back for council consideration next month.

The Olympic Pool drew the most discussion. Staff reported the project was bid after value engineering and two bids were received; both bids came in well above the assumptions used during design. The original pool budget mentioned in the meeting was about $6,000,000 for the pool portion, with a total project funding line later described as approximately $7,000,000 after architect/owner costs. Staff cited increased material costs and tariffs (described in the meeting as producing roughly a 5% increase) as contributing factors. The report identified several alternates that staff expects to remove or defer: team locker rooms (about $900,000), spectator seating and a covered seating alternate, and a movable bulkhead (described in the meeting as approximately $340,000). Staff said they have already removed roughly $1.5 million in alternates and remain in negotiations with the low bidder; they asked the board to allow a possible special meeting in about two weeks to consider amending the construction contract if necessary to preserve the project timeline for a planned 2026 opening.

Parks staff discussed competition features in the design. Staff noted the scoreboard and touchpad timing equipment are currently listed as alternates and said temporary touchpads could be used for event timing until permanent equipment can be funded. Staff and board members emphasized keeping the pool marketable for competitive meets where feasible, while acknowledging options to defer large purchases until additional funding is available.

On the golf course project, contractors have started sprigging tee boxes while greens seeding was delayed to remove weed contamination in the turf mix; staff reported a grow‑in timeline of roughly 100 to 120 days. Bridge demolition is complete, a new restroom is scheduled for installation, and pro‑shop and deck renovations are underway. Staff said the golf project is on track for a planned September opening tied to the Heart of the Hills event.

At the Shriner house, staff reported interior mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is ongoing; the elevator has a new steel frame and tie‑backs and the project is described as on budget with a target for substantial completion around mid‑December. Granger McDonald remains in state review and requires a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service review; staff said they are still awaiting the state review turnaround. The Guadalupe and KSP playgrounds are complete and heavily used by the public, staff said.

Staff also updated the board on the River Trail easement work, reporting multiple property owners being engaged and about four easements currently targeted for resolution. Staff asked the board to consider whether savings from projects with favorable bids (theatre and golf were mentioned) should be allocated to cover a portion of the pool shortfall, and several board members asked staff to return with scenario options (base bid plus alternate configurations) at a special meeting or at the next regular meeting.

The updates included frequent references to alternates and value engineering as tools staff is using to keep projects within the Quality of Life bond program priorities while preserving the projects’ intended functions and timelines.