Splash Landing renovations move forward
MINUTES of BETTENDORF PARK BOARD
SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 7, 2001
The Bettendorf Park Board held a Special Meeting on November 7, 2001, at 4:00 p.m. in the Crimson Room at the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center.
Roll Call: Present: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Absent: None
Dave Burbach of Burbach Aquatics was present to review options for replacement of the main swimming pool at Splash Landing. A copy of a drawing to increase from six to eight lanes by 25-meter lap area is annex #1 to these minutes.
The projected cost to increase from six to eight lanes is $175,400. Also, to eliminate the diving hopper from the plan, the projected cost savings are $66,800. This is explained in Burbach's cover letter dated November 1, 2001, which is annex #2 to these minutes.
Mr. Burbach stated in order to increase to eight lanes, the mechanical building will have to be moved with increased grading and a retaining wall added.
Steve Grimes presented a handout that included all the options available and the cost projections. This handout is annex #3 to these minutes.
Commissioner Glenn asked what are the Boardís options as far as funding. We are limited to what we can do. Is there any need to review all the different options, if we do not have the funding?
Steve reviewed the funding sources for the project:
$1,000,000 gaming revenue, $700,000 loan and $300,000 from the Park Board Capital Improvement Program. The gaming revenue and loan will have to be paid back over the next ten years, through the Park Boardís Capital Improvement Program. This will reduce the Capital Improvements from $500,000 to $300,000.
Chairman Hutter stated that options #1 and #5 fall within the $2,000,000 for the project. Should we eliminate discussion on options #2, #3, and #4?
Commissioner Kamp stated that option #4 is close to the funds that are available. Should we look at bidding the two extra lanes as an alternate?
Chairman Hutter asked if there were other Capital
Steve stated that the Capital Improvement Program could be reviewed for additional funding. That would mean delaying other projects.
Chairman Hutter stated that if another organization came forward with the additional funds needed, we could look at expanding to eight lanes, otherwise we cannot do it.
Commissioner Glenn stated that he sees no reason to look at the other options, if we do not have the money. The capital project funds have been reduced to $300,000 a year and he cannot see taking that number down any further. Option #1 is what the Board would have built, if we would have had the money to begin with.
Chairman Hutter stated that we do have the different options in black and white, and how much it would cost.
Mr. Burbach stated that Option #1 is the most functional plan for the swimming pool. If you want to look at an eight-lane pool, we can bid it out as an alternate. The bids that have come in recently have been very competitive. This has been due to the economy slowing down. However, the mechanical building would have to be moved to the west side. You can bid the project out as a six lane with the mechanical building on the west side, in hopes, that the project would come in at where you can add the two lanes. Or bid Option #1 as it is and if the bids come in better than expected, use for our own projectís benefit.
Rita VanWetzinga stated that the six-lane pool meets their needs and she does not want to see the mechanical building moved to the west side.
Rhett Bicknell, 7 Bountiful Court, stated he was a Swim Club member and was withdrawing his request for an eight-lane pool. He expressed his appreciation for the work done for the possibility of eight lanes. He did request consideration for a 25-meter pool, rather than a 25-yard pool.
Commissioner Adamson stated that if the funding were available, he would like to see a 50-meter pool. The funds available will build a recreational pool and the facility will be cheaper to operate. If the bids come in cheaper than projections, there are other projects to spend the money on.
Brian Mykleby, 2955 Hartford Drive, Vice President of the Swim Club, stated if they cannot have a 50-meter pool, they would rather have a 25-meter pool. The eight-lane instead of six-lane would be better for swim meets only.
Steve stated that Bettendorf already has two indoor 25-yard pools.
On motion by Glenn, seconded by Adamson, to approve option #1 for the main pool at Splash Landing at an estimated cost of no more than two million dollars.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None
Commissioner Makoben asked if all the funds are already available.
Steve explained that the $1,700,000 is there and will have to be paid back.
Chairman Hutter stated that there would be another Public Hearing to approve the plans, specifications, and form of contract.
Commissioner Adamson stated that he would like to see a good faith attempt to open next year. Do the demolition work this fall and take the necessary pictures for evidence.
Chairman Hutter stated that the whole Board feels that way. That is why we are having a special meeting today.
Rita stated that she would need to know prior to March or April about when we will open in order to hire staff.
Commissioner Glenn stated that we cannot have our staff dangling. We need to complete the pool project right and not rush through it.
Chairman Hutter agreed and said he does not want to go through what we did for the last two years.
The Board reviewed Resolution #47-01, approving the modification of the existing contract with Burbach Aquatics for Splash Landing.
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Makoben, to adopt Resolution #47-01, approving modification to the existing contract with Burbach Aquatics to prepare plans, specifications, and form of contract for the Splash Landing Renovation Project for replacement of the main pool and filtration system.
Roll call on motion: Ayes: Hutter, Adamson, Glenn, Kamp, and Makoben
Nays: None
Resolution #47-01 is annex #4 to these minutes.
Commissioner Kamp asked if there was a separate contract for the demolition.
Mr. Burbach stated that if you want the demolition at this time, he would be happy to accommodate this.
Chairman Hutter stated that we want to video tape the demolition.
Rita VanWetzinga asked Mr. Burbach if the slides need to be removed. Miracle should remove and reinstall the slides because of warranty issues.
Mr. Burbach stated he would check into it. He also stated that he will prepare the documents and will call Steve by the end of the week when they can be completed. It should take about two weeks.
The Board Members congratulated Larry Makoben and Gary Kamp for their election on the Park Board for the next four years.
On motion by Adamson, seconded by Kamp, to adjourn the meeting at 4:40 p.m.
