Madison commission awards bid for Armory gym floor to FLR Sanders for $171,844.15

The Madison City Commission voted unanimously to award Bid No. 986 for replacement of the Armory gymnasium floor to FLR Sanders of Princeton, Minnesota, for $171,844.15.

City staff said the replacement follows damage tied to a January fire and includes a $10,000 allowance for possible concrete repairs under the subfloor. The contract covers removal and disposal of the existing floor, installation of new hardwood flooring with a block subfloor system and court markings for basketball, volleyball and two pickleball courts.

Mike, a city staff member, summarized why the work was needed, saying, "Basically, this stems from the fire in January and the floor damage. So we had to put it out for bid." Ryan, a city staff member who reviewed the bids, said, "There was a total of 3 bids that were received and opened ... the bids range from the low bid of a $171,908.57. And then the highest bid was around $252,000." The commission and staff noted a small calculation discrepancy in the staff spreadsheet; the awarded contract amount was confirmed as $171,844.15.

Staff told the commission the bid exceeded an earlier $155,000 estimate. A city representative said the higher bid likely reflects costs added during the formal bid and bonding process. Commissioners were told the $10,000 concrete allowance is conservative and that some of that allowance may be credited back if not needed.

Officials also discussed lifecycle and maintenance. Staff estimated the new floor (an inch-and-three-quarter hardwood over a block system) could have decades of useful life if properly maintained, and said refinishing every two years would cost about $4,500 (roughly $0.48 per square foot). Staff said warranties are included; they indicated a one-year warranty and an installation warranty likely covering defects for a longer period.

Commissioners were told the city is coordinating with its insurer and with Claims Associates about recovery from the party believed to be responsible for the damage; staff said the city submitted the claim to its insurance provider and that Claims Associates is reviewing the bids for coverage considerations. The commission also noted that a roof replacement approved in 2024 was delayed by the fire, that funding will be realigned by a budget appropriation, and that the replacement floor is needed before full use of the Armory can resume.

A motion to award the bid was made and seconded; the vote carried with all members present signaling "aye." After the vote, staff thanked the commission for expediting the award so contractors can begin work and restore the facility for school and youth programs.

Votes at a glance Award Bid No. 986 — Armory Gymnasium Floor (FLR Sanders, Princeton, Minnesota) — $171,844.15 — Approved (unanimous)