Board authorizes amendment to advance $3.7M Charles Town pool project

The Charles Town Parks & Recreation Board voted unanimously Aug. 14 to authorize an amendment to its professional services agreement with Thrasher Engineering to finish schematic design, manage bidding and provide construction administration for a planned pool renovation.

Sam Rich of Thrasher Engineering told the board the firm had originally projected roughly $330,000 in fees and is now requesting $365,000 to complete the design-through-construction-administration scope for a total project budget of about $3.7 million. "We are right now asking for 365,000 total," Sam said, describing the work Thrasher and its subconsultants would provide during bidding and construction.

Board members discussed funding and grant timing before the vote. Staff said the project relies on two Land and Water Conservation Fund grant awards and a city match; one LCWF grant application of $1.6 million is pending with results expected in early September. The board also noted coal-severance funds have been earmarked as part of the local match. A member moved to authorize the amendment; the chair called the question and the motion passed without dissent.

The amendment authorizes Thrasher to prepare final design documents, assist with public bidding, review bids and act on the city's behalf during construction — including attending progress meetings and reviewing pay applications and change orders. Staff signaled the city intends to bid the work publicly and begin construction in early 2025 if grants and schedule hold. The board asked staff to maintain clear cost breakout lines between building renovations and pool/site work to satisfy grant reporting requirements.