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Council weighs $1.9M makerspace design‑build recommendation; several members demand air conditioning, phase‑2 protections
Summary
Staff recommended awarding a $1.9 million design‑build contract for a makerspace that would include bathrooms and allow public use; council members raised strong objections that the current price does not include air conditioning and sought assurances the contract would not preclude a future phase or leave structural work undone.
Director Haggart recommended the City award a design‑build contract to MAPP for $1,900,000 to convert the makerspace building for public indoor use, level a pit and include restroom facilities. He told the council the contractor's initial proposal does not include air conditioning and said staff will work with the contractor to refine plans and costs before returning with a contract for approval.
Multiple council members protested proceeding without air conditioning and asked whether the design approach would preserve the ability to add a second floor or other phase‑2 elements without demolition. One council member said bluntly: “I don't understand how we would approve anything in inside in Georgia in a building without air conditioning. So I will not be approving this bid.” Other members highlighted the need to verify electrical capacity (three‑phase) and ensure the design does not force costly rework when a later phase is added.
Council asked whether the city could withdraw from the design‑build contract if the resulting design or price were unacceptable. The city attorney said she had not yet reviewed the contract; staff later noted that the draft contract appears to include a termination‑for‑convenience clause with 30 days' written notice. Director Haggart confirmed that additional costs would be required to add air conditioning or other amenities not included in the $1.9 million base proposal and that the council would be presented with line‑item costs as the design moves forward.
Some council members supported moving ahead to get an indoor recreational space available for community groups (robotics practice, indoor courts and similar uses) while others said they needed stronger legal and cost assurances before authorizing the design‑build contract. No final contract award vote occurred at the work session; staff will bring a contract and any additional cost items back for council consideration.
