Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Wilmar Council approves Tradesman Construction bid and Becker boards for outdoor covered rink
Summary
The Willmar City Council accepted the low bid for an outdoor covered ice rink pavilion and approved purchase of boards and glass, keeping the project within the $1.59 million budget after adding two asphalt alternates.
The Willmar City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a $1,100,593 bid from Tradesman Construction of Alexandria for an outdoor covered ice rink pavilion and to approve a $169,912 purchase agreement with Becker Arena Products for rink boards and glass.
The pavilion award, presented by Recreation Director Rob Guard, included staff-recommended alternates 2A and 2B — an asphalt surface inside and outside the rink — priced at $73,701. Guard told the council the project fits the budget: "Our total expense comes to $1,516,398 which gives us a remain budget of $74,382.04." He added the alternates were recommended because "everything fits within the budget."
Why it matters: the council reallocated contingency funds earlier and has emphasized making the rink usable outside winter months. The approved asphalt alternates create a hard surface so the facility can host non-ice activities in spring, summer and fall without delaying the current work.
Guard summarized the procurement history and numbers: the council previously reallocated $1,590,708.04 for the project; staff accounted for the Tradesman base bid, the Bolton & Menk contract, Becker products, $63,000 in city costs, and $18,400 in special inspections to arrive at the $1,516,398 total. He told the council that remaining contingency dollars are still available if needed.
The council then approved the Becker purchase resolution to buy the rink boards and installation under a state contract (Sourcewell) so the boards and glass would be available and installed in coordination with the pavilion construction. Guard said the Becker package "fits into the budget" and noted the purchase is covered through the procurement method staff recommended.
Public comment included support from local hockey leaders. "It's been a boon to the economy for all of our tournaments that we've had out there," said Justin Rux, president of the Wilmar Hockey Association. Resident Matt Dawson thanked council members for support of the proposal and noted the project has been years in the making.
Council members asked several technical and scheduling questions about the roof, board materials and the project's ability to extend skating seasons. Guard and others explained the pavilion roof is a fabric, the boards are steel frame with plastic facing, and the project would start in spring with completion by October so the facility could be used this year.
The council voted 8-0 to approve the pavilion contract with Tradesman Construction including alternates 2A and 2B and separately approved the Becker Arena Products purchase agreement 8-0. Work on the pavilion is scheduled to start in spring with completion expected in October.
