Platteville staff narrow aquatic center RFQ to three firms, plan stage‑1 schematic for April referendum

City staff told the Platteville Common Council on Jan. 28 that five architect/engineering firms submitted proposals for a potential aquatic center and that a review panel has shortlisted three finalists.

Director Robert Lowe said staff held an open house before the submission deadline and formed a review panel that included engineering expertise and community engagement representation. The panel interviewed finalists, issued follow‑up questions, and expected to compile responses by the next day for final evaluation. "We started publishing this in December... We actually had 5 submit," Lowe said, and staff narrowed the field to three finalists.

Clint and other staff explained the council will be asked to approve a contract limited to stage 1 — schematic drawings and a schematic budget — so voters in an April referendum can see a concept and estimated cost. "We're planning on bringing a contract forward with a recommendation," staff said, adding that contracting for later stages (design development, construction documents) would be separate and that stage 1 carries no obligation for stage 2 or 3.

Staff said the compressed timeline is intended to allow community engagements and to provide voters with a visualization of what they would be asked to fund; if the council is not comfortable with the recommendation, it can defer action.