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Willmar council authorizes bid advertising for outdoor rink pavilion; base budget estimated around $1.4 million
Summary
Council approved staff’s request to advertise bids for an outdoor rink pavilion project with a base budget around $1.4 million, discussed alternates that could raise costs to $1.5–1.7 million, and asked the hockey boosters about fundraising to cover potential overruns.
City staff presented final plans and specifications for a proposed outdoor rink pavilion and asked the Willmar City Council to authorize advertising for bids.
The presenter described prior budget and procurement steps, consultant costs, and a range of design alternatives. Staff said the base bid with an ice dashboard would total roughly $1,400,000; adding a concrete surface inside the rink (alternate 1) would raise the estimate to about $1,580,000, and concrete inside and out could bring the total near $1,700,000. Staff proposed using a fabric roof system, described as a translucent PVC membrane with a 25‑year warranty, and recommended a 5% construction contingency for this site given subsurface conditions.
Council members questioned operational costs, funding sources and whether the local option sales tax would cover purchases such as dasher boards. One councilor said he doubted the project would remain within the $1.4 million figure but supported putting the project out for bid to determine final costs. The presenter noted options that would preserve future upgrades if the city starts with a gravel surface and later adds concrete. The council voted to approve the final plans and authorize advertisement for bids (8 ayes, 0 nos).
Next steps: advertise for bids with an anticipated January 23 bid opening and return to council with bid results and recommended alternates and funding decisions.
