Council sends Alliance design contract back to staff, seeks timeline and spending history for Val Nova park

The Eagle City Council moved to refer the Alliance design contract for the Val Nova sports park back to staff after several members said they needed a clearer record of spending and commitments before signing the contract.

Council member Robert Gillis raised the opening concern, saying, "Phase 1 being $5,300,000 is our portion, and we are listed as the owner of this project," and noting the council has paid roughly $1,925,000 so far and that overall estimates for the entire project range between $22 million and $27 million. Mayor responded the city separates capital project funds from operating revenue and offered one-on-one briefings with staff and the treasurer so council members could review the accounts. After discussion, Councilmember Nancy moved to send the Alliance contract back to staff and return it when the requested documentation is ready; the motion passed on roll call.

Staff told the council they have already completed grading and some roadway and underground infrastructure and that Idaho Power undergrounding is the current critical path to finish paving. City staff advised that Alliance will not set a guaranteed maximum price for phase 1 until construction documents are produced — at which point a 6% owner fee tied to phase costs would be calculated. Council asked staff to prepare a single package: a historical timeline of decisions, a list of monies spent and committed, the current contracts and exhibits, and a schedule for when the Alliance contract will be ready for reconsideration.