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Council awards PepperPlex renovation contract; playground alternate cut to meet budget
Summary
Council introduced Resolution 25154 awarding the PepperPlex renovation contract to the low bidder and reviewed a wide renovation scope including turfing, a new office, parking expansion, Musco LED lighting, fencing, accessibility work, and nearly $2.8 million in base construction costs (approx. $3.3M total with match and fees).
New Iberia — The City Council introduced and moved toward awarding the PepperPlex Renovation Project contract to the low bidder after staff outlined a scope of work intended to modernize the sports complex.
Project staff described turfing one softball infield, construction of a new approximately 1,300‑square‑foot office at the main parking entrance for security and staff visibility, expansion of the main parking area with roughly 100–180 new limestone spaces, and chain‑link fencing to prevent balls and children from entering adjacent roads. The plan includes upgrading multiple fields to Musco LED lighting (noting the product’s diagnostics and warranty), replacement or refurbishment of restrooms and concession buildings, a covered pavilion over existing batting‑cage slabs, additional batting stations, and about a mile of new accessible sidewalks linking parking to fields.
During the bid discussion the council learned there were six bidders. Menville Lumber Company submitted the low base bid, which exceeded the initial budget; taking the playground as a deduct alternate (about $250,000) brought the project within the available funds to an adjusted construction figure reported as roughly $2,812,000. The mayor outlined prior funding milestones: a 2021 economic development district, earlier bonds and state capital outlay awards (discussed as $1.5M + $1.0M in the transcript) and local match funds, bringing the full investment to about $3.3M including architectural fees and match.
Staff said construction is planned to start Jan. 1 and run about a year. They emphasized coordinating with park operations so most of the facility can remain in service during renovations and prioritizing the fence and parking expansion when the Queen City extension opens. Council members asked about signage, sponsorship opportunities for gates and light poles, and whether playground equipment would be phased in later; the playground was removed as an alternate due to budget constraints discussed during the bid review.
Council moved and seconded the resolution to award (Resolution No. 25154) and heard staff say final contract execution is contingent on approvals from the Office of Facility Planning and Control.
