Council hears capital‑projects update: Paramount construction, aquatic‑center bids and sportsplex preconstruction pick

Assistant City Manager Rachel Kelly updated council on multiple capital projects.

Paramount construction: Kelly and project staff said crews encountered unanticipated basements and buried rubble during excavation but have advanced through those issues and expect steel for the restoration to be delivered in late December. Kelly said public outreach ideas (for example, allowing residents to sign a steel piece) are under consideration.

Mayor aquatic center: Scott, a Michael Graves consultant, presented bid results and options. Staff opened three bids; the low base bid was $5,664,057. When staff added the membrane/covering (about $1.7 million as presented), equipment and construction contingency, the loaded project budget came to roughly $8.6 million—about $2.6 million over the council’s $6 million target. Scott and staff said the price differential is primarily driven by differences in the mechanical/ventilation systems proposed by bidders and higher‑grade mechanical expectations for year‑round user comfort. Staff presented three paths for council direction: accept and find the additional funds (staff mentioned a potential $3 million bond tranche connected to another project as one funding source), redesign for a less expensive semi‑conditioned or convertible structure, or keep the facility outdoor. Bids are valid for 60 days; staff asked for council direction to negotiate and prepare contracting steps if the council wants to move forward quickly.

Western Sportsplex design‑build: Nick Woodruff reported the RFQ attracted 14 qualified submissions; staff interviewed three teams and recommended a design‑build team (identified in the selection packet by the name transcribed as "Bob Ed") for preconstruction services. Staff proposed a $278,000 preconstruction contract to cover programming, site selection, schematic planning and an economic‑impact analysis; further design and construction services would be handled through later contract amendments. Woodruff told council the AIA form of contract is under review by city legal and finance and could be presented to council for authorization once reviews are complete.

Council members asked about timing, the potential to reallocate bond proceeds, and options for reducing mechanical or membrane costs. Staff said suppliers for the membrane structure have multi‑month lead times and would require early purchase orders if council chooses to proceed quickly.