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Committee advances Blue Hawk Phase 2 star‑bond amendment and schedules June 1 public hearing
Summary
Developers and city staff described a proposed second‑phase amendment to the Blue Hawk Starbond project plan that would raise the bond cap to roughly $86.8 million, add programming (pickleball courts, additional ice, entertainment bays), and fund a 3–4 level parking garage; the committee directed staff to publish a June 1 public hearing, authorized a $100,000 revenue study, and instructed staff to negotiate underwriting services.
Developers and city staff presented a substantial amendment to the Blue Hawk Starbond project plan on April 22, asking the committee to schedule a June 1 public hearing to consider changes that would allow a larger bond issue and new program elements for phase 2.
Aaron March, the developer’s attorney, said the team is pursuing an increase in the star‑bond cap to approximately $86.8 million to fund additional square footage and programming and that state review appears favorable. He told the committee, "We're ready to perform. We're ready to stand behind the guarantees that we will continue to operate this project for 10 years." Staff outlined specifics: the amended plan reduces total building square footage to about 409,000 from 435,000, adds 11 indoor pickleball courts, additional high‑tech entertainment bays, a 27‑hole outdoor miniature‑golf attraction, and a 3–4 level structured parking facility estimated at about $7.8 million with roughly 340–380 stalls.
City staff and the developer repeatedly said the final bond sizing will depend on underwriting and a revenue study. The committee passed a four-part motion directing staff to schedule and publish notice for a June 1 public hearing on the substantial changes, recommending council approval of the amendment subject to later technical steps, authorizing staff to amend the agreement with Hunden Partners for up to $100,000 for a revenue study, and directing staff to negotiate an amended engagement with Wells Fargo to serve as underwriter for a potential phase‑2 issuance. The motion was approved unanimously (6–0).
