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Olive Branch board awards pickleball contract, acknowledges $510,000 Homer Skelton Foundation gift
Summary
The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen approved a low bid to build six pickleball courts and acknowledged a $510,000 gift from the Homer Skelton Charitable Foundation to fund the project.
The Olive Branch Board of Aldermen voted to accept the low bid to build six pickleball courts and restroom facilities at Olive Branch City Park and formally acknowledged a major philanthropic gift that will fund much of the project.
The board accepted a base bid from Alexander Construction LLC for $978,907.63 to build six courts and a restroom facility at Olive Branch City Park, according to staff presentation and a motion from Alderman at Large Collins. The motion to accept the low bid was seconded by Alderman Henderson and carried with all members voting in favor.
“The apparent low bidder is Alexander Construction LLC, with a base bid of $978,907.63,” said Mr. Swims, a city staff member who presented the bid results. Staff reported nine bids were received for the project, a higher-than-usual number for this scope of work.
The board also acknowledged a $510,000 contribution from the Homer Skelton Charitable Foundation that the mayor read into the record. The mayor read a resolution that “formally acknowledged and accepted” the foundation’s gift and described Homer Skelton’s philanthropic history in the region. The mayor said the donation makes construction of the courts possible and thanked the Skelton family.
David Fisher of Fisher and Arnold, the firm that designed the courts for the city, was present and recognized by the board during the presentation. City staff said the project rendering shows six courts and restroom facilities.
No additional conditions or contingencies tied to the bid award were recorded in the public portion of the meeting. Staff recommended moving forward with the Alexander Construction LLC contract; the board approved the recommendation.
The board previously tabled bids on this item; staff confirmed the readout and recommendation at the March 18 meeting. The city’s chief financial officer and members of the Skelton family attended the meeting for the acknowledgment and photo opportunity.
The contract award and philanthropic acknowledgment come as the city moves ahead with park improvements intended to expand recreational amenities.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to accept low bid from Alexander Construction LLC (base bid $978,907.63): Mover — Alderman at Large Collins; Second — Alderman Henderson; Outcome — approved (voice vote).
