BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
While considering the contract with Scherer Construction for its new music pavilion, some Starke commissioners considered changing course.
Mayor Andy Redding had the contract moved from the consent agenda for further discussion May 6.
“I know that it passed last time, but I just have some concerns. I want to make sure that we’re getting the most return on our investment,” he said.
The plan that won previous approval calls for matching a state legislative allocation of $400,000 ($800,000 total) to build a new stage at the northwest corner of the Downtown Square, directly opposite the existing stage. The new pavilion would support theatrical lighting and sound, as well as a retractable projection screen. Without engineering or design plans for the older stage, the architect doubted it could be retrofitted to do the same.
That doesn’t mean the old stage will be torn down. Proposals include using it as a staging or seating area for VIPs or sponsors.
One drawback, Redding said, is that, while the existing stage faces downtown, which is more commercial, the new pavilion would face a residential area, albeit one with a railroad running through it and a highway overpassing it.
“Obviously, we have citizens that live in that area. There is some expectation to come with that of having noise, but we want to try to make things as good as we can,” he said.
The mayor also questioned if it was the best investment of the funding.
Commissioner Danny Nugent said the city should continue to use the stage it has and use the money for enhancements such as restrooms. Commissioner Bob Milner also expressed his desire to explore revamping the existing stage area before spending this much money on a new one.
Commissioner Scott Roberts tried to clarify the vision for the new pavilion.
“What we’re trying to do downtown and the stuff we’re trying to bring down there, the pavilion that we’re going to put there is the proper one, in my opinion. We’re trying to do something that’s a class act. If anybody visits anywhere else, that’s the kind of stuff they see,” he said.
Roberts said they not only have a low bid, but a contractor who has guaranteed the price regardless of any overruns.
“We can nickel dime downtown, and that’s what we’ll end up with. We’re trying to spend the money wisely,” he said.
Commissioner Janice Mortimer asked if there was more information they needed to consider. Chief Administrative Officer Jimmy Crosby said if the commission wanted to spend additional money, the existing pavilion could be stress tested, and new architectural and engineering plans prepared. If commissioners wanted to go in another direction, they would have to take another look at what the legislative funding can be used for. Or they could send the money back to the state, he said.
Mortimer agreed it would cost more money to consider changing course now, reminding the others they have a contractor willing respect the bid despite anticipated cost increases.
“I think it’s important for us to stick with what we’ve done and keep moving forward with the plan that we have, because the longer we wait, the higher costs are going to be, and the less opportunity we’re going to have to get the best bang for our buck,” she said.
Whatever they decided, Crosby said they needed to move quickly.
“We will have to move rather quickly, though, because we’re starting to run out of time. This has been sitting on the drawing board now in excess of a year, going on the second year,” he said.
Nugent’s motion to table the construction contract failed for lack of support. Roberts motion to approve the contract passed 3-2, with Nugent and Redding voting no.
In response to public concern about noise, Mortimer added she would like the city to look at some form of sound barrier.
