Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stadium Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $200,000 professional services agreement for outdoor multipurpose stadium; some members press for clearer finance plan
Summary
The council approved a $200,000 professional services agreement with Bailey Construction LP to advance design work on the proposed outdoor multipurpose stadium. The motion passed 6–1 after members debated the pace of contracting and outstanding financing details; Council Member Tuohy voted no.
The Everett City Council on Tuesday authorized the mayor to execute a professional services agreement with Bailey Construction LP in the amount of $200,000 to advance the outdoor multipurpose stadium project.
The motion carried 6–1. The roll call recorded yes votes from Vice President Zarlengo, Council Member Fosse, Council Member Bader, Council Member Rhine, Council Member Vogelie and President Schwab; Council Member Tuohy voted no. (Council Member Bader was marked "excused" for a later roll call on unrelated items but voted yes on this item.)
Debate and concerns: Council Member Tuohy said she supported the project in principle but opposed moving ahead without clearer financial commitments and risk disclosures: “This is just a no until we get more information,” she said, citing a need to know the city’s potential obligations, guarantees to investors and the risk profile before approving additional contracted work paid from city capital funds.
Staff response and schedule: A staff member identified in the meeting as Scott (city staff) said the $200,000 contract would “buy us 6 to 8 weeks' worth of work” while negotiations continue with the progressive design‑build team. Scott said staff expect to return in late March with a contract recommendation and a fuller revenue and financing package, including an MOU and early lease negotiations that could include performance and revenue pro formas.
Funding source and repayment: Staff said the $200,000 will be paid from capital CIP funds and will be reimbursed from a state grant allocation once those state funds are received; staff characterized the payment as an interim advance against state funds previously allocated to the project.
Why it matters: Council approved short‑term design and negotiating expenditures to maintain schedule momentum, but several council members asked for detailed financing scenarios and clarity about potential city guarantees before approving major long‑term commitments.
What was decided: Council authorized the $200,000 PSA. Staff said they will return with full contract terms and financing details, including estimated project costs and potential funding sources (state grant, local funds, private investment and bond scenarios). The estimated range discussed earlier by staff for design work to 30% was in the low‑millions range (staff previously referenced ranges during selection discussions). No final project budget or bond resolution was approved Tuesday.
