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Sky Corral RC club seeks council direction after rebid narrows runway project to fit available funds
Summary
Sky Corral Club and city staff told the council updated bids reduced scope to about $390,000; with county, city and a pending private $100,000 donation the project could be fully funded (~$400,000). Staff presented three options including reduced scope to begin in June or seeking additional funding for full build.
Sky Corral Club leaders and City of Pueblo staff updated the City Council on a runway relocation and upgrade for the long‑running municipal RC airfield, describing event programming, economic projections and a revised procurement path intended to fit available funds.
Brian Caruso, president of Sky Corral Club, outlined the club’s 50‑plus years of activity, educational outreach in local schools, and recurring events such as Warbirds over Pueblo that bring pilots and visitors to the city. Brent Cozzolino summarized an economic assessment provided by the Pueblo Chamber estimating roughly $200,000 in direct annual visitor spending for events and about $315,000 after applying a local multiplier; the packet shows a five‑year projected return of about $1.5 million on a $400,000 capital investment for a state‑of‑the‑art RC field.
Andrew Hayes, city public works staff, summarized the procurement and funding position. The city currently has approximately $300,000 available from prior commitments (county $50,000; city $50,000; prior year allotment of roughly $200,000) and staff said a $100,000 private donation is pending; the donor agreement will be presented for first reading to council on Monday. Full‑scope construction bids returned at about $452,000 and exceeded available funds. Staff said a reduced‑scope rebid came in at approximately $390,000, leaving only a small contingency. City staff presented three options for council consideration: (1) seek the additional ~$75,000 to fund the full scope and delay the start, (2) accept the reduced scope and proceed (staff estimated a June 1 start and a 120‑day contract period) or (3) abandon the project.
Councilors asked about maintenance responsibilities and community outreach; Sky Corral representatives said the club has historically self‑funded maintenance (estimated $3,000–$5,000 annually) and that they will continue to manage upkeep through membership and donations. Councilor Boston said the reduced scope fits his threshold for support; other councilors emphasized the club’s educational and tourism benefits and encouraged partnership approaches.
No ordinance or contract award was voted on during the work session. City staff said next steps include confirming the private donation agreement on first reading, budgeting and appropriation ordinances if funds arrive, and a subsequent resolution to award the contract if council directs proceeding under option 2 or approves additional appropriation under option 1.
