Council hears status and costs for Grumel Springs restoration project

City staff updated the Central City Council on ongoing work at the Grumel Springs recreational site, describing recent stabilization work on deteriorated concrete walls and outlining remaining tasks and cost estimates.

A staff presentation said crews had cut trenches and poured new concrete supports behind several badly degraded walls and completed multiple partial wall repairs. The contractor’s work to stabilize the back sides of the original cast concrete walls was shown to the council in photos; staff said the visible repairs are not the final finish but are intended to stabilize the structure.

Staff reported the project budgeted approximately $5.25 million for the overall site program and said the next phase to complete floors, stairs and spring‑box plumbing is estimated to cost about $1.96 million. A staff member told the council that completing the floors and stairs is necessary before the site can be safely opened and before the city becomes eligible for some larger state and federal grants aimed at recreational site development.

Council and staff discussed interim steps such as clearing vegetation and creating a parking plan and pedestrian access across adjacent property to support events at the springs once construction and parking are in place. Staff said some trees had been cleared to allow for work and that local milling operations have been identified to salvage removed timber.

Council members asked whether the city should pause and wait for external grants or complete the structure now to improve grant eligibility; staff cautioned demobilizing and then remobilizing would add mobilization costs and recommended completing the structural work that secures the site before applying for construction grants.

No formal funding decision was taken; staff said they would return with final construction estimates and timing.