Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks And Recreation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pecos council tables $1.53 million annual Cyclone Ballpark management contract, seeks more bids
Summary
After sharp questioning about performance and only one bid, the Pecos City Council voted to table a proposed five‑year management contract with Sports Facility Companies (SFC) that would cost an estimated $1,527,213 per year, directing staff to reissue the solicitation and negotiate stronger performance metrics.
Pecos City Council on May 14 tabled a proposed five‑year management contract with Sports Facility Companies (SFC) for the Cyclone Ballpark after councilors raised concerns about performance, monthly operating losses and the lack of competing proposals. Staff had recommended awarding the contract under Resolution 26‑O5‑04 R with an annual management fee of $222,000 and estimated annual operating and facility costs of $1,305,213, for a total annual cost of $1,527,213.
Assistant to the city manager Griffin Whelan presented the RFQ results and told the council the single bid — from SFC — averaged 83 out of 100 on the city’s evaluation matrix. Council members said the procurement produced insufficient competition and left the city with limited leverage in negotiations. One councilor noted that only one strong tournament had been hosted this year and questioned whether the city was getting appropriate return on a multimillion‑dollar facility.
Several councilors pressed staff for alternatives. A council member argued, “We need to put it out for bid and get some competition on this thing,” and another said the contract as originally written was “vendor friendly” and needed more protections for the city. Thomas Ward, general manager for Cyclone Ballparks, responded to operational criticisms and agreed to provide requested documentation; in response to a specific request for training and certification records he said, “By tomorrow morning, I will work with my staff to get that.” (Thomas Ward, Cyclone Ballparks general manager.)
Representatives of SFC acknowledged shortcomings and asked for an opportunity to improve. Jessica Cool of Sports Facility Companies acknowledged the company’s responsibility, saying, “We can do better, and we need to do better,” and said SFC was open to negotiating contract terms and performance measures.
Councilman Carrasco moved to table the resolution to allow staff to solicit additional bids and refine contract metrics; Councilman Arona seconded. The motion carried.
The council directed staff to reissue the RFQ/RFP, reach out directly to potential national bidders (including named firms suggested during the meeting), and return with either a competitive procurement or a revised contract that includes enforceable performance metrics. The city manager also noted the current contractor’s agreement can be continued month‑to‑month while the process proceeds.
What’s next: Staff will prepare a new RFQ/RFP, seek at least three bidders for evaluation and bring a recommendation back to the council in the coming months.
