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Board approves engineering, architectural agreements for Franklin Field project
Summary
After a design update showing constrained site geometry, floodway and storm‑sewer challenges, the board approved engineering services with Clapsaddle Garber ($250,000) and architectural services with Wurzberger Architects ($45,000) to advance Franklin Field toward bid documents and construction.
The board heard a detailed Franklin Field design update and on Dec. 16 approved contracts to advance the project to bid.
Adam Daters of Clapsaddle Garber Associates reviewed site constraints (close property lines, Bridal Creek floodway, an existing storm sewer of mixed materials including an old brick arch, and a roughly 13‑foot grade change requiring a retaining wall). Daters described two layout iterations — an 8‑lane oval reduced to 6 lanes with an 8‑lane straightaway — and said the design uses minimum recommended clearances to fit the facility. He also discussed ADA access ramps, relocated playground pads, and possible bleed‑over into rights of way that will require coordination with the city and Iowa DNR permitting for any work in the floodway.
Consultants presented a procurement timeline: finalize documents in mid‑January, a 3–4 week bid period in February and contract awards shortly after to allow suppliers and vendors to schedule summer work once the ground thaws. The presentation emphasized subsurface investigation (soil borings) and close coordination around utilities on Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets.
The board approved the engineering services agreement with Clapsaddle Garber Associates for $250,000 and an architectural proposal with Wurzberger Architects for $45,000; both motions carried unanimously. Administration said they plan to limit major disruptive work during the school year and pursue the bulk of construction in summer months where feasible.
