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Polk City approves up to $85,000 for Big Creek Schoolhouse exterior repairs amid unexpected rot
Summary
Council authorized an increase to $85,000 (not-to-exceed) for exterior improvements and demolition at the former City Hall (Big Creek Schoolhouse) after staff discovered rotten sill plates during demolition and recommended additional work and quotes for full-building repairs.
Staff reported unexpected structural issues during demolition work on the former City Hall (Big Creek Schoolhouse). Chelsea said the council had previously authorized a maximum of $68,500 for exterior work but that demolition exposed rot in the northern sill plate and that further repairs may be required on other sides of the building. She asked the council to increase the not-to-exceed authorization to $85,000 to complete the exterior improvements. "When the demolition occurred, it became apparent that the sill plate was rotting and needed to be looked at," Chelsea said.
Project manager Nick Furness (who will lead the project going forward) told the council the city has spent nearly the previously authorized amount and that foundation or full-building sill repairs could become a separate, more expensive project. Council members expressed concern but also agreed that finishing the visible exterior improvements before the upcoming event season made sense, and they approved the $85,000 authorization by roll-call vote. Staff will continue to solicit quotes for broader sill-plate and foundation work and return with recommendations.
