Cape Coral staff: Yacht Club designs near 100% and RFI to solicit private partners to be released by month‑end

City staff told the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 14 that most elements of the Yacht Club project — harbormaster, parking garage, maintenance buildings, pool and beach restrooms — are at or near 100% design, and that the community center design will be completed shortly.

John Osterstock, facility project manager, said the city issued a limited notice to proceed on Dec. 18 that allowed the contractor to place early supply orders (sheet‑pile fabrication) and secure manufacturing slots; the formal notice to proceed for marine phase 1 is expected in late January. He said the fishing‑pier design is 100% complete but remains under environmental and Army Corps review.

To explore private capital and alternative delivery approaches, staff will issue a Request for Information (RFI) by the end of the month to solicit proposals for permitting, construction, management and operation of the community‑park and marina elements. City manager and councilors described the RFI as a “fishing expedition” intended to show whether private partners might fund the project, assume operations, or provide partial financing to reduce taxpayer exposure. Examples discussed included partial marina/private operation and long‑term leases; staff noted any specific procurement or development agreement would require public process and council approval.

Design expenditures through year‑end were cited: Kimley‑Horn design invoiced about $5.49M to date of a $9.9M contract; remaining encumbrances approximate $4.4M. Council members emphasized the need for public transparency on costs, asked when RFI responses would be consolidated (staff suggested a summary within roughly 30 days of close, likely returning to council in April if response volume is moderate), and asked staff to keep council informed as procurement steps proceed.