Central Missouri Excavation Contracting (CMEC), of Belle, was selected Monday by the Houston City Council for excavation work at the city’s new recreation complex near Spruce Street.
Two bids were received for the work, the other coming from Courtney Construction of Mountain Grove, but ultimately CMEC’s $649,572 bid prevailed.
Project Manager Jim Zumwalt, of Mid-State Pipeline Maintenance, recommended CMEC despite it being about 4% more expensive than Courtney Construction due to “the level of detail, planning and overall scope included in their proposal.”
Concerns about gaps in planning execution and expertise in the use of certain equipment were also cited. CMEC’s recent work on a similar project that involved Zumwalt was also considered a strong qualification.
“I know this is about 4% higher [than the other bid], but I do believe we’re paying for expertise since they [CMEC] recently completed a similar project,” said Travis Witzemann, economic developer.
Dirt work is expected to begin April 26, with completion in late October, according to CMEC’s bid. The city is estimated to come in about $150,000 under budget for this phase of construction once rock importation is accounted for, said Witzemann.
About the facility
In February, the Houston City Council gave the go-ahead for a 32,000 square foot recreation center that includes two basketball courts with a walking trail, full-size baseball infield, pitching/batting cages, restrooms and concessions that can also serve the venue.
The outdoor facility will include two softball/youth fields and two baseball fields that are east of the building. The structure faces a parking lot to accommodate about 200 cars on the west side. Under the preliminary plan, parking would initially be a gravel lot and asphalt is expected later.
Funding
The city’s lease-purchase agreement to fund the facility was recently completed, with proceeds expected to arrive April 22 and annual payments of $285,000 set over 20 years.
Funds from city reserves from the sale of its fiber internet system and an income stream from a half-cent sales tax earmarked for parks will be used. The project is not to exceed $5.5 million.
