City staff told the board they need more time to finalize a construction contract for the Valpo Recreation Center and shared a public-engagement plan to gather community input.

Kevin, who provided the update, said the city received the contractor's redlines and is continuing negotiations over schedule and timing. He asked for a few more weeks before bringing a contract back to the board, saying staff do not want to rush to meet the meeting deadline. The board did not take a vote on a construction contract at this meeting.

Staff described a four-part outreach strategy: an always-open online portal to collect open-ended feedback and email sign-ups; a series of programmatic online surveys focused on likely uses of the courts and turf; targeted stakeholder meetings (examples included senior programming, child-focused or 'mom' groups and nearby businesses); and at least two on-site open houses with a virtual option for those who cannot attend in person. Staff said surveys would ask how residents envision using courts, turf and interactive play areas and would capture preferences for community rental space size and amenities.

Kevin said staff want to gather input on interactive play-area design (play-focused versus educational options), potential outdoor extensions such as splash pads or walking loops if future budgets allow, and how neighbors and nearby businesses might be affected or can partner with the facility. He described the engagement plan as a 'skeleton' that will be fleshed out in coming weeks.

Board members welcomed the approach and emphasized the value of hearing directly from the public. The update closed with staff saying calendars and holiday schedules will factor into timing, and that staff will return with more detailed materials and an updated contract when negotiations conclude.

The next procedural step reported by staff is additional work between the city and the contractor to resolve the redlines and finalize schedule and contract language before the board signs an agreement.