Manti council hears updated timeline and public concerns for Senior Center renovation

Manti City Council heard an update Feb. 18 on planned improvements to the Senior Citizen Center, including kitchen and bathroom upgrades, new flooring, refrigeration and electrical work. City Manager Jason Brown told the council staff asked contractor Rick Christensen to provide updated costs for the revised scope; the prior bid was dated January 2024.

Brown said the city intends to have municipal employees complete the electrical work "to mitigate project costs," and that Christensen anticipates the construction will take about four months. He added the project’s start date remains undetermined because "CDBG" pre-construction meeting requirements must be satisfied before work can begin.

The meeting included a disclosure: Councilmember Brian Francois stated he is vice president of the local Senior Board and acknowledged the agenda item relates to that organization. During public comment, resident Sam Blatter urged caution about the building’s basement and suggested creating an oversight committee to monitor how project funds are used. Blatter asked whether the city was "throwing good money after a bad deal." Stacey Carlisle, Deputy County Senior Nutrition Manager, said the Senior Center bid "was a bit excessive" and that renovations should prioritize spaces and services most beneficial to seniors rather than creating overly clinical facilities.

No formal action or funding approval occurred at the meeting. City staff will pursue the CDBG pre-construction step and return with a definitive start date and cost update once those administrative requirements and revised estimates are complete.