Eastern Delaware County JRD refines phase‑two community center scope; board pushes for earlier deliverables

On April 26, 2026, the Eastern Delaware County Joint Recreation District reviewed a draft scope of services for phase two of its community center planning project and debated the schedule for consultant deliverables. Mr. Hennessy, a staff member, presented the scope and noted a completion date of Jan. 15, 2027 intended to make materials available for an early‑February ballot decision for a May election.

The scope presented by Mr. Hennessy covers three broad areas: (1) programming and facility development, including more analysis of indoor and outdoor needs and conceptual renderings; (2) financial strategy and procurement, including engaging a construction estimator and a third‑party financial advisor to develop cost estimates and a proforma; and (3) site selection, including comparative analysis and an acquisition strategy. "This would give us the conclusion by that date to determine how we want to proceed," Mr. Hennessy said, describing the reasoning for the Jan. 15 target.

Board members broadly signaled that the January deadline felt late for their preference. Several members recommended earlier milestones and pushed staff to seek deliverables before Thanksgiving or, at the latest, by mid‑December so the board would have time in early February to approve documents needed to place an item on the May ballot. Members also noted that pursuing a November ballot would impose an even earlier timeline (early August deadlines were cited), making the timing and sequencing of consultant milestones a central concern.

On procurement, staff recommended returning to Pazuti Solutions — the firm that completed the phase‑one feasibility work — and trying to negotiate scope and price under the board's existing contract authority. Mr. Hennessy said the board could waive competitive bidding in defined circumstances and re‑engage Pazuti immediately to finalize a proposal; if negotiations failed, the JRD would re‑open the market for a qualified contractor. Staff estimated it could take about three weeks to negotiate and present a final price and contract terms to the board.

Board members stressed that the scope should include clear milestones (for funding options, partner recommendations and community engagement) so the JRD and the public can track progress. They also discussed whether the JRD needs to decide if it wants a wellness or health partner as part of the operating model, and asked the consultant to present operator options and recommended proforma assumptions rather than only hypothetical scenarios.

Next steps: staff will return to Pazuti Solutions to seek a negotiated scope and price and will bring a proposal back to the full board at the next meeting. The packet also included a draft Resolution No. 2026 and the board's contract authority and bid policy (staff walked members through the policy language); the board did not act on the resolution tonight. The board set its next meeting for May 17 at 7 p.m. at Berkshire and adjourned following a unanimous vote on procedural motions.