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Pella approves $500,000 state grant and authorizes bidding for proposed indoor recreation center
Summary
The Pella City Council approved a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and authorized staff to solicit construction bids for a proposed indoor recreation and aquatic center, setting a bid date in March and a public hearing in April.
The Pella City Council voted unanimously to accept a $500,000 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority and to authorize staff to solicit construction bids for a proposed indoor recreation and aquatic center. Staff said the grant is structured over a three-year period and that the city has already raised about $17.5 million toward the project.
City staff described the base facility as roughly 64,000 square feet with two full-size gymnasiums, a competition swimming pool and an indoor turf field. The engineer's estimate for the base bid was described as just over $28 million; alternate options (two additional gymnasiums, an indoor recreation pool and associated work) were estimated at just over $8 million. Staff recommended opening bids March 11 and holding a public hearing April 15, with construction estimated to take 18 to 24 months if the project proceeds.
Staff also told council that because the grant is state funded, state law will likely require a lifecycle analysis of the facility's mechanical and electrical equipment. Staff estimated that lifecycle analysis at about $99,000 and said that cost should be eligible for reimbursement under the grant.
Councilors debated wording in the related resolution (Resolution 6799) that some said could be read as ordering construction; the council moved to amend the resolution title and substitute the staff memo subject language clarifying the action: preparation of plans and specifications, authorization to solicit bids, and setting the public hearing. After approving the amendment, council approved the amended resolution.
"We would also like to bring council's attention that the city has raised over 17.5 million for this project," City staff member Mike stated during his presentation.
The council approved the CAT grant agreement (Resolution 6798) and the amended solicitation/authorization resolution (Resolution 6799) by roll call. The public record shows the motions and votes but does not record any contract award at this meeting; award and any construction decision will follow the bid process and subsequent council consideration.
