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Norfolk delays final approval of Morey High School replacement; council continues item to Aug. 26
Summary
City staff told the council that several substantive contract matters remain unresolved on the roughly $250 million Morey High School replacement project; council voted to continue consideration to the Aug. 26 meeting.
Norfolk City Council on Aug. 12 voted to continue consideration of an agreement to design and build the Morey High School replacement, moving the item to the council's Aug. 26 docket after city staff said additional negotiation is needed.
City staff described the matter as substantive and said several contract terms still require negotiation before the city and Norfolk School Board can execute a comprehensive agreement. "This is a project that, with the price tag, equates to roughly a quarter of a billion dollars," a city staff member identified in the meeting as Mister Roberts said, urging more time to finalize details.
The item would authorize the city administration to execute a comprehensive agreement among the city, the Norfolk School Board and Heartland Construction to finalize design and begin construction on the replacement. Because staff told council that several substantive contract provisions remain open, Roberts asked the council to reschedule the item to the Aug. 26 regular meeting to allow continued negotiations and a more detailed public explanation.
Councilmembers split on the continuance. The motion to continue passed, with Councilmember Clanton, Councilmember Johnson, Councilmember McGee, Councilmember Page and Councilmember Alexander voting to continue; Councilmember Doyle, Councilmember Smigiel and Councilmember Thomas voted no. During debate Councilmember Doyle said she opposed the delay and warned that "the longer we go, the greater the cost will be." The motion carried and the council did not take a final vote on the comprehensive agreement that night.
Discussion-only items identified by staff include outstanding contract language and final pricing details; staff said the additional time would allow coordination among the city, the school board and the developer and an opportunity to present final terms to the public before a binding vote.
The council will consider the finalized comprehensive agreement at its Aug. 26 meeting or at a later public docket if additional negotiation is required.
