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Wyoming council pauses decision on permanent Lamar Park stage, asks staff for cost comparison
Summary
The Wyoming City Council on Nov. 17 delayed action on hiring design services for a permanent Lamar Park stage after debate over cost and use; staff estimated construction could run about $500,000 and will return with comparisons to heavy-duty portable-stage options and grant opportunities.
The Wyoming City Council on Monday delayed a vote on hiring design and construction-engineering services for a proposed permanent stage at Lamar Park, asking staff to return with cost comparisons and other options before any contract is approved.
City staff described the concept as a permanent, roughly 40-foot by 24-foot stage with integrated sound and performer restrooms, and said the request before the council was for design and construction engineering only, not construction. "I think it'd be about 40 foot by 24 foot," said Mister Shea, the city staff member presenting the item, noting that, depending on design choices, construction could be "at least around $500,000." He said actual construction would likely be considered in the city's capital improvement program in 2027 or 2028.
Council members pressed for more detail on usage and alternatives. Council member Michelle argued for a less costly alternative: "I think we should just buy a really nice portable stage just so we can use it at other events," she said, citing flexibility and lower perceived taxpayer cost. Staff responded that permanent structures reduce repeated staff time for setup and teardown and can make it easier to secure outside grant funding: "Having just the design for the stage gives us opportunity to go for grants," Mister Shea said, and he named parks-specific and passport grants as potential sources.
Several council members said they could not support approval without a clearer business case and comparison of long-term costs, maintenance and potential revenue from rentals. Council members asked staff to provide side-by-side estimates for a permanent stage and a heavy-duty portable alternative, and to research existing designs some neighboring communities have used as models.
With additional information requested, the mover withdrew the item and staff will bring the requested comparisons back to council when available. No vote on the design-services proposal was taken Monday; staff said the item will return when the additional information is ready.
