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Pella council advances Community Center renovation after $2.5 million pledge and $500,000 CAT grant
Summary
The Pella City Council moved forward with plans to solicit construction bids for the Community Center renovation after the Friends of the Pella Community Center pledged $2.5 million and the council approved a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism grant; staff outlined a bidding schedule and a remaining projected deficit within contingency.
Mayor Don DeWaard and city staff reported March 3 that the city will proceed to solicit construction bids for the Pella Community Center renovation after receiving a large private pledge and state grant approval.
John Bloom, architect with Schemmer, presented updated design renderings and described the base scope of the project as renovations to plumbing, HVAC, fire sprinklers, exterior windows, roof and restrooms, with minimal changes to the auditorium. An alternate bid would add a southeast stair to allow repurposing of an existing stairwell.
Arvin and Pati Van Zante, representing the Friends of the Pella Community Center, informed the council they intend to donate $2.5 million toward the project and said they are prepared to finance the pledge if needed. City Administrator Mike Nardini said the city will formalize an agreement with the Friends before awarding any construction contract.
Separately, the council approved a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant agreement with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, authorizing the City Administrator to execute the reimbursable grant. Finance and administration staff noted CAT grant funds are disbursed on a reimbursable basis and cannot be used to reimburse expenses incurred prior to the grant award.
Staff presented a project funding update showing a projected deficit of $480,999 within the $682,905 contingency on the base bid as presented; staff said that deficit remains within contingency limits. The tentative project schedule shared with the council calls for release of the project for bidding on March 17, a bid letting on April 17 and council consideration of a construction contract on May 19.
The council did not take final contract action at the March 3 meeting but expressed support for proceeding with solicitation of construction bids using the presented design and floor plans. The council also approved authorization for the city to participate in required grant administration steps and to execute the CAT grant agreement.
Next steps: staff will finalize the construction documents for bid release, execute a formal pledge/agreement with the Friends of the Pella Community Center prior to contract award, and return to council in May for contract approval.
