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Staff recommends awarding Parrot Island work within budget; water‑park operator extension draws criticism
Summary
Staff recommended accepting competitive bids for Parrot Island pump house (SSI Inc., $1,751,910) and aquatics components (Clarity Pools, $664,200) totaling $2,416,100, and advised a one‑year extension with American Resort Management to operate the water park in 2026 while an audit proceeds; several directors objected to another year under ARM given outstanding audit questions and a reported missing $8,000 check.
Staff told the board that bids reopened March 5 produced low responsive bidders for the Parrot Island project: SSI Inc. for the construction pump house at $1,751,910 and Clarity Pools for the aquatics portion at $664,200 — a combined $2,416,100, which staff said is within the appropriation for the project. Staff recommended advancing resolutions to the March 17 regular meeting to accept the bids and award contracts to those bidders.
Board members pressed questions about local preference and bond costs. Staff said the city's 5% local bidder preference was applied but Clarity remained the low responsive bidder after the adjustment. Directors also raised concerns that a higher bond cost in one bid made comparisons less straightforward and asked staff to confirm those figures before award.
On water‑park management, staff and the county judge recommended a one‑year agreement to continue American Resort Management (ARM) for the 2026 operating season while the park's independent audit is completed (audit on‑site in April with delivery expected in May or June). Several directors said continuing ARM for another year would undermine public trust given unresolved audit issues — one director cited an $8,000 missing check — and asked for redlined contract changes and additional reporting if the extension proceeds. Staff said the proposed one‑year extension would remove multiyear provisions and require more frequent reporting during the season.
The board moved to place the bid awards and management contract on the next regular meeting agenda for final action after the staff recommendations and requested documentation are provided.
