Council approves guaranteed-maximum-price amendment for Riverside Golf Course clubhouse

The Pocatello City Council voted to approve a guaranteed-maximum-price amendment for construction of a new clubhouse at Riverside Golf Course, clearing the way for the city to proceed with the CM/GC contract.

Parks staff and the city’s construction manager explained that bids returned higher than initial expectations primarily because of site constraints (underground utilities and large boulders), additional patio square footage, and material substitutions made to reduce cost. Staff said architects’ preferred finishes were adjusted — for example, siding and restroom tile choices — to lower price while preserving longevity. The contract includes a 3% contingency.

Public engagement included questions from council about contracting approaches, whether subcontractors are competitively bid and the protections built into the CM/GC process. Tom Kirkman, director of public works, described the qualifications-based selection for the CM/GC and said the general contractor competitively solicits subcontract bids, typically across multiple trade packages.

Council members also asked about funding: staff said golf-related revenues have been set aside in a dedicated capital-improvement fund (fund 965) and that Connections Credit Union had provided a sponsorship/donation toward the project. The city estimated reserves and pledged donor contributions will cover the amended GMP; staff noted the contract could come in under the GMP if subcontract bids are lower.

Councilman Mangum moved to approve the GMP amendment; the motion was seconded and carried on a roll-call vote.