The project
The parcel of land was purchased by the EDC to plan for developments that fit within the guidelines of the Aviation District Master Plan, which aims to revitalize the Aviation District area of the city with new businesses, housing and other developments.
The parking lot will provide public parking along the street, giving access to amenities and upcoming developments in the area.
According to documents submitted to City Council, the EDC has determined the parking lot would be interim, meaning it could be a different development in the future.
Public Works Director Randy Luensmann said the parking lot will use recycled material, which should drive down the construction cost.
The meeting
Despite the use of recycled materials, some council members had concerns regarding the overall cost of the project in relation to the use residents will get out of a parking lot.
Council Member Ashton Bulman said it is difficult for her to approve a project where the costs are uncertain, outside of the $20,480 approved for the contract with 6S Engineering.
“We approve $20,000 now, but we have no idea how much it is going to cost in the long run to tell the residents that it is worth spending another $20,000, $30,000, $100,000, I don’t know,” she said.
City Manager Kim Turner said the purpose of the contract is to get a cost estimate and design from the engineering firm, and if the EDC decides the project is cost prohibitive, they can stop the project.
The contract was approved, the engineering firm will begin working on the design and costs of the project to be brought back to the EDC.
