Aransas Pass council approves pavilion RFP, $3.04M pump-station award and several procurement and policy items

The Aransas Pass City Council on Nov. 11 approved a series of procurement and policy items including a request-for-proposals (RFP) for a Community Park pavilion, a contract award for stormwater infrastructure, several smaller construction and demolition authorizations, and an audit and policy changes for hotel-occupancy tax funds.

Pavilion RFP The council authorized staff to issue an RFP for a pre-engineered metal pavilion at the Shrimpery grounds (project funded by the Aransas Pass Municipal Development District). The proposed pavilion is a 110-by-180 structure designed to accommodate two basketball courts and three pickleball courts, with ADA access and event infrastructure. Motion to issue the RFP carried by voice vote.

Wheeler and Huff storm pump station award Council voted to award the Wheeler and Huff storm pump station improvements contract to Associated Construction Partners LTD for $3,044,642. Staff said the project is GLO-funded and that a remaining funding gap of about $206,000 would be addressed via a forthcoming tax note; the motion carried.

Harbor Pointe Park lighting After receiving a withdrawal from the low bidder, the council accepted the withdrawal and approved awarding the installation of 29 LED parking-lot lights at Harbor Pointe Park to the next-lowest responsive bidder for $34,739.60. Staff confirmed the specification calls for a single LED model to ensure uniform appearance.

Police boathouse roof and boat lift (procurement process clarified) Council considered a police-department request to add a gable boathouse roof and a boat lift at the Harbor Master’s office using Crime Control and Prevention District funds. Members clarified procurement protocol and amended the item to authorize staff to go out for an RFP; the item will return for contractor selection.

Demolition RFP: green storage tanks at Combran Harbor Council authorized staff to advertise an RFP to demolish the green storage tanks at Combran Harbor after staff obtained screening kits indicating the paint may contain lead. The RFP will include hazardous-disposal requirements.

HOT audit and guideline changes Council approved an agreement with Brenda McElwee, PC to audit hotel-occupancy tax funds awarded to the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for 2023–2024 at $300 per hour, with total fees expected to range from $10,500 up to $15,000. The council also adopted a resolution to change HOT application windows from every other year to an annual application period beginning Jan. 1 and ending March 31, with the council reserving discretion to consider exceptions outside that window.

Economic-development consultant The council awarded an RFQ for economic-development consultant services to Kaylin Paxson for a two-year period at $85,000 annually (funded by the Aransas Pass Municipal Development District). Council members discussed, and rejected, concerns that Paxson’s previous role on another city council constituted a disqualifying conflict in this consultant arrangement.

Other actions Council authorized issuance of an RFQ for public-relations services to replace prior contracted services; entered executive session for economic-development negotiations and other posted items; reconvened at 8:09 p.m. and reported no action from the executive session.

All actions above passed by voice vote unless otherwise noted in the record. Several items will return to council for vendor selection or contract finalization.