Council approves bids and authorizes $250,000 from Fund 68 for Graham Community Building renovation

Pryor Creek councilors reviewed sealed bids and a construction-management plan for the Graham Community Building and authorized use of $250,000 from Fund 68 to advance Phase 1 of a $518,000 renovation project.

David Barnes of Scissor Tail Construction explained the bid solicitation and selection process, saying the team reached out to regional subcontractors and published the legal notice in multiple newspapers. Barnes said bids produced needed contingencies and explained several line items, such as replacing old electrical panels and a full concrete floor to replace structurally compromised wood.

The EDTA chair (speaker 20) summarized Phase 1 costs: the concrete floor replacement is estimated at about $50,000, electrical upgrades about $100,000 and additional kitchen, restroom and contingency items bringing the project budget to roughly $518,000. The EDTA recommended using $250,000 from Fund 68 in combination with previously awarded incentive grant and Main Street funds.

Council members asked for transparency in pay applications and for monthly updates; EDTA/Main Street representatives said grant funds had been deposited and that Main Street would disburse checks to the construction manager (Scissor Tail) with EDTA oversight. Council then voted to approve the bid process and to authorize the requested Fund 68 transfer.

No immediate change to the project scope was made beyond the approved contingency; council asked staff for visual renderings and periodic progress photos.

The council recorded a motion and vote approving the EDTA recommendation and the use of Fund 68 for Phase 1 work.