Council approves contract change order after community center cost rises; CAT grant application authorized

City staff told the council that the Phillips Community Center renovation construction estimate has increased from about $5.5 million to roughly $7.44 million, principally because the project scope expanded to include an enhanced elevator addition and stairwell alternates needed for accessibility. Because the architect’s fee is tied to construction cost (cited at 7.5%), staff recommended—and council approved—a change order to the architectural services agreement for Shimmer & Associates, reported at just under $92,000.

Staff said the city attorney's office reviewed the proposed change order and found it consistent with the contract terms. Council voted in favor of the resolution to authorize the change order.

Separately, staff requested and the council approved submitting a $500,000 Community Attraction & Tourism (CAT) grant application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority to support the community center project; staff said the CAT grant is necessary to deliver the full proposed scope and that the city's previously approved financial commitment of $5.5 million remains documented for the application. Total project cost cited by staff was $8,250,300. Council members asked clarifying questions on the timeline and construction schedule; staff said architectural design is scheduled to be complete by November and construction authorization could come in early 2026 with construction lasting roughly 12–18 months.

Next steps include contract execution for the change order, submission of the CAT grant application and continued timeline updates from staff.