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Council approves contract with PGAV for Justice Center concept design over three dissenting votes
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Summary
The Raymore City Council approved a $175,000 contract with PGAV Architects for concept design services for a proposed Justice Center after a 5–3 vote. Debate centered on project timing and how a pending state ballot measure (SB3) could affect the city’s bonding capacity and schedule.
The Raymore City Council voted 5–3 on April 13 to award a contract to PGAV Architects for concept design work on a proposed Raymore Justice Center.
City staff and PGAV presented a three‑month scope of work to produce a space needs analysis, conceptual renderings and a public‑engagement plan intended to inform a future bond referendum. City staff said earlier studies produced a broad ‘‘all‑in’’ estimate of roughly $26–30 million; staff and the consultant said they were working toward a more cautious planning target in the roughly $20 million range for planning purposes.
‘‘We stressed with each firm that the square footage was a little oversized and they agreed,’’ the consultant Chris Davis, principal with PGAV Architects, said, describing options the firm would provide to shape cost and design outcomes.
Several council members pressed staff on timing. Council member Baker said the council should be careful about rushing concept work when the legal status of state ballot measure SB3 is unresolved, arguing the outcome could change the city’s ability to pursue a property‑tax‑supported bond. ‘‘Until we get resolution on that, … I would not support putting this on the November ballot,’’ Council member Baker said.
City staff and the project manager said the concept work is the next step whether or not a bond is pursued immediately; it will also guide the scope and public engagement. ‘‘This is the next step that needs to take place whether that happens now or later,’’ Council member McDonald said, reflecting staff’s view that concept design work is preparatory.
The motion to award the contract carried despite three dissenting votes. The council directed staff to proceed with the consultant’s three‑month timeline and to emphasize public engagement and options that match the city’s budget parameters.
Next steps: PGAV will complete concept design, staff will run the public‑engagement plan and the council will later consider whether and when to place a bond issue before voters.
