Rock Springs Council approves $39,800 structural assessment of Civic Center

The Rock Springs City Council on July 15 approved a $39,800 contract with engineering firm FEA to perform a structural assessment of the Rock Springs Civic Center and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute the proposal. Jack Weimer, representing the Old Timers Civic Center Group, urged caution and objectivity, noting past assessments for other Wyoming buildings sometimes resulted in closure or demolition.

The assessment is intended to provide a detailed structural evaluation that the city can use to decide next steps for the aging facility. "We need to be aware that this firm has done work for school districts and other organizations within the state," Jack Weimer said, adding that some past surveys have led to building closures. "When we as a group get this data back from this engineering firm, let's be objective and let's look at that data and let's make some good decisions."

JJ, a Parks and Recreation Department staff member, told the council that FEA could mobilize quickly. "They were likely to mobilize within 8 weeks, but possibly as soon as 1 week," JJ said. JJ said the on-site work would be followed by an eight-week turnaround for the written report, putting delivery in late summer or early fall.

Council members asked about nearby construction on a bridge adjacent to the Civic Center and whether vibration or pile driving could affect the building. Paul, from the Engineering, Operations and Public Service Department, said monitoring equipment has been installed on the bridge project and that early observations have not produced the concerns officials had before work began.

Councilors and staff noted the Civic Center has been included in previous consulting work. City staff said the strategic plan work led by consultant Barry Dunn and subcontractor Winters Griffith cost about $144,000; when combined with other consulting the total for parks and recreation consulting work discussed at the meeting is about $184,000. City staff said the new structural assessment is a narrower, engineering-focused study the architects recommended before deciding on major actions for the Civic Center.

The resolution accepting the FEA proposal passed unanimously. The council and staff said the assessment will inform decisions about repairs, continued operation, or other actions but that no final decision would be made until the engineering report is complete.

The firm’s report, expected this fall, will be used alongside prior planning documents to guide next steps. The Old Timers Civic Center Group told the council it is available to assist as the city evaluates the facility.