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Wagoner advances Junction downtown project as PDG design costs rise, authorizes construction bids
Summary
City officials approved an $18,000 amendment to PDG Incorporated’s design contract after technical work expanded the Junction construction estimate to about $1.2 million, authorized PDG to advertise construction bids and outlined funding commitments that leave a modest contingency gap to be covered by grants or adjustments.
The City of Wagoner on June 1 approved an $18,000 amendment to PDG Incorporated’s design contract and authorized PDG to advertise construction bids for the downtown “Junction” revitalization project.
The amendment increases PDG’s design-phase compensation after staff and council said extra technical specifications and expanded scope raised the project’s construction estimate from roughly $844,500 to about $1.2 million. Council approved the amendment on a roll call; Councilmember Wilson recorded a “No” vote on the design-amendment motion.
Why it matters: The Junction is the city’s signature downtown public-space effort intended to drive future private investment. Staff said the project remains in the FY2027 budget and that pursuing P3 grants and local bank participation could fund additional aesthetic features if secured.
What council heard: City staff told the council the total base cost including the $18,000 design increase is about $1,312,153 and noted a $60,000 design contingency that staff believe is unlikely to be fully used. Councilmember John Chandler, who spoke in support, said PDG ‘‘did more work, you know, clearly, and and has hung with us here for a very long period of time.’’ He described earlier conceptual bids that had lower fees and said the project’s scope grew as additional funding opportunities emerged.
A structural complication: Council discussion flagged a nearby property (referred to in the record as the Shulman building) with an unstable wall that must be addressed before construction. Speakers cited owner and city estimates of $45,000–$55,000 to repair the wall and said parties will obtain firm bids; staff also noted uncertainty about legal ownership of the wall and insurance implications.
Funding and next steps: Staff reported current funding commitments of $500,000 from the city (already approved) and $400,000 from the county. A council member said he would increase a private donation commitment to $350,000, bringing identified funding to $1,250,000 and leaving an $82,000 gap that staff expect might narrow once contractor bids are received. The council authorized PDG to publish the bid notice; staff said the advertisement would publish the following Tuesday and the winning bid would come back to the council at a future meeting. The project team gave a target for construction completion around March–April 2027 if schedules hold.
Procedural note: The council approved both the design amendment and the authorization to receive bids by roll call votes. The record shows the design amendment passed with one recorded dissent; the bid-advertising authorization passed unanimously.
What remains unresolved: who will pay to remedy the Shulman building wall if the private buyer does not act, how much of the contingency will be needed, and the final low bid amounts. Council members directed staff to proceed with bidding and to return to the council with contract awards and any recommended budget adjustments.
Next steps: PDG will publish bid documents; council will review bids and vote on award at a subsequent meeting. Staff will obtain firm bids to determine the final cost to repair the Shulman building’s wall and will report back to the council.
