Council approves $3.47M for park parking projects despite procurement objections

Amarillo City Council on May 27 approved construction awards for three park parking projects — John Stiff north, John Stiff south and Rick Klein — after a contested discussion over procurement method. The combined price presented to council was roughly $3.47 million and was advanced using a cooperative‑purchasing contract (Sourcewell/BuyBoard) so staff could expedite construction within the department’s bond timelines.

Parks Director Michael Kosuba told council the projects respond to recurring parking congestion, ADA shortfalls and deteriorated dirt lots at sites hosting youth sports and tournaments. Staff explained that combining three projects reduces mobilization costs and improves construction phasing.

Purchasing staff and a facilities representative defended cooperative purchasing as a legal, state‑approved, audited option that shortens procurement from many weeks to months and leverages state‑negotiated unit prices. Tri‑State (a local contractor already on the cooperative) supplied a guaranteed maximum price and proposed to start rapidly; Tri‑State said it had capacity after completing recent work.

Several council members and a local contractor objected that staff directly used Sourcewell pricing and a single offering rather than a broader competitive solicitation, arguing that the city may miss better pricing and that many local contractors could compete. A motion to table the award failed and the council ultimately approved the awards by a 3–2 vote.

Council asked staff to produce more education for council and public: explain when cooperative purchasing is used, the vendor selection and comparison process, and to return with a broader policy discussion about cooperative versus competitive procurement for future capital work.

Staff said they will provide the bid/takeoff documentation to council when practical and recommended a future workshop on procurement practices and thresholds.