Lea County approves change order for Event Center renovation covering restrooms, HVAC and site safety

Jim Kemp, director of the Lea County Event Center, asked the commission to approve Change Order #5 to the construction contract for the renovation project. Kemp presented a slide summary describing the work: replacement and ADA upgrades for concourse restrooms, redesign of an airhandler platform after structural review, vestibule heater installation, mezzanine water fountain backsplash updates, new storeroom/stair lighting, mechanical rework for lobby HVAC, a new gas generator and associated gas line, sensor flush valves, and installation of parking bumpers at selected sidewalks.

Kemp said many of the change orders resulted from unforeseen conditions discovered during demolition and that the owner‑requested items are intended to improve safety and long‑term operation. He said the negotiated prices included a $14,000 concession from Bradbury/Stamm and H Mechanical on one line item and that the overall change order equals about 3.49% of the original project estimate.

Commissioners raised questions about landscaping water use near the amphitheater and Kemp said the design will use xeriscaping except for the amphitheater lawn and that staff will comply with municipal water restrictions, potentially using non‑potable lines. Kemp said staff expects no long‑lead items and discussed coordination with Xcel Energy for transformer and generator work; he noted a tentative power shutdown around Juneteenth weekend to support systems testing.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the change order by voice vote.