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Council tells LJA to narrow Kenny Street public‑works design scope; directs staff to explore funding for Hovis Park clubhouse
Summary
Council voted to ask LJA Engineering to narrow the scope of architectural work for renovations at 1215 Kenny Street so the city only pays for tasks that legally require architectural drawings, and directed staff to explore funding sources for a roughly $50,000 Hovis Park clubhouse renovation.
Council debated the scope and cost of an architectural agreement to design renovations at the Public Works headquarters, 1215 Kenny Street, and voted to ask LJA Engineering to revise the scope to remove elements that do not legally require architectural drawings. The council also directed staff to research funding options for renovating the Hovis Park clubhouse.
What the council discussed about Kenny Street Councilmembers said the LJA/architect proposal appeared to include a wide “Christmas‑list” of improvements, and some members suggested the city could instead pursue smaller, lower‑cost steps (for example a lean‑to or fence) without full architectural drawings. Shannon O’Hara of LJA explained the firm’s review standard for minor plats earlier in the meeting and later clarified scope questions during the Kenny Street discussion.
Motion on scope A motion passed instructing LJA to return with a revised scope that removes work that does not require architectural design “by law or statute.” The motion passed by voice vote; councilmembers discussed using engineering or smaller specialty contractors to do some tasks if appropriate.
Hovis Park clubhouse funding Councilmember discussion identified an estimated $50,000 need to renovate the Hovis Park clubhouse (AC, floors, kitchen cabinets, insulation, cameras). Council instructed staff to identify line items or EDC funds that could be reallocated and to return with a proposal showing where the money could come from. Council noted EDC already holds some funds for other projects and that staff should produce a clear proposal for a future vote.
EDC funds and hotel‑motel questions Separately, council raised broader concerns about use of Economic Development Corporation (EDC) funds and hotel‑motel tax money. Councilmembers asked staff and the city attorney to research past transactions and the legal rules governing those accounts; one councilmember said $10,000 had been used for downtown holiday lights without full EDC board approval and asked staff to examine whether procedures were followed.
Ending: The council’s direction will narrow the architect’s work to required tasks, and staff will return with revised scope and potential funding sources for Hovis Park renovations. The EDC and hotel‑motel inquiries will be researched and brought back to council for potential corrective action.
