Star council approves $2.585M appropriation amendment, two ordinances and Liberty Hall construction contract

The Star City Council approved several administrative and contractual items during the meeting’s final hour.

Appropriation amendment: Council opened and closed a public hearing on an amendment to the fiscal year 2024–25 appropriations to add $2,585,000, citing the recent purchase of additional property and increased building-permit activity. A motion to approve the appropriation amendment carried on a roll-call vote (Hershey Aye; Wheelock Aye; Salmonson Aye). The ordinance implementing that amendment was introduced and adopted pursuant to the dispensation motion.

Ordinances: Following a motion to dispense with multiple readings under the city code and Idaho statute, the council adopted ordinance 425-2025 (appropriation ordinance) and ordinance 426-2025 (Sellers at Rivers Edge annexation) by roll-call vote. Council corrected a typographical date in the Sellers At Rivers Edge ordinance before adoption.

Construction contract: The council approved a construction-manager/general-contractor contract with Bennington Construction for the Liberty Hall Event Center project. Staff said the contract amount will be adjusted after bids are opened and that the contract includes liquidated-damage provisions ($1,000 per day for the prime contractor and $500 per day for major subcontractors for delays or late submittals). Council authorized the city to finalize the contract and bid package so construction procurement can proceed with a planned November bid and December start.

Key quote: “We approve this appropriation amendment for FY24/25 in the amount of $2,585,000,” Councilmember Nelson Hershey said during the roll call.

What happens next: The appropriation ordinance will be published as required by law. Staff will finalize and circulate the Bennington contract addenda after bids are opened and will return any material contract changes to council as required by procurement rules.