Marshall Aquatic Center Bids Exceed Budget by $5M, City to Redesign Project

Issue #088

12 Sep

In this Marshall Area Insider issue…

☀️ Marshall, MN Weather - Sunny with a high of 88

🗞️ Marshall Aquatic Center Bids Exceed Budget by $5M, City to Redesign Project

🗞️ Sold Out Fall Banquet Draws Hundreds to Hear Conservative Perspectives

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📌 Know of other local events not listed? Send us the details!

Marshall Aquatic Center Bids Exceed Budget by $5M, City to Redesign Project

Marshall’s new Aquatic Center faced a major setback after bids exceeded projections by more than $5 million, ranging from $22.37 million to $24.4 million, compared to an original estimate of $16.5 million.

Rising material costs, labor shortages, and high demand for pool construction contributed to the overrun, according to project engineers Stockwell.

At a recent council meeting, members voted to reject the bids and collaborate with engineers on a redesign. The city aims to rebid the project in 2025 while working within its $18.37 million budget funded by a sales tax bond.

Stockwell Engineers indicated the higher costs were driven by factors such as increased material prices and difficulty finding labor, especially for specialized contractors.

The ongoing demand in aquatics projects also contributed to the unexpected bid amounts. Contractors felt confident about completing the project on time but acknowledged the cost environment had shifted.

The redesign process will focus on cost reduction without compromising the facility’s key features. Stockwell will work closely with city staff and the pool committee to identify options for trimming expenses.

The revised plan is expected to go back out for bids early next year.

There was also discussion of potentially hiring a construction manager to oversee the project, but the council expressed concerns that this could delay construction further.

Despite the challenges, the council remains committed to seeing the project through, ensuring the community has access to the new aquatic center as planned.

Renovating the existing facility was ruled out due to both cost and funding limitations. The city will continue to explore all options to stay within the approved $18.37 million sales tax bond, supplemented by private donations.

City officials and engineers agreed that the redesign would not incur additional fees and pledged to move forward with new cost-effective plans to bring the Aquatic Center to life while maintaining its intended features.

Sold Out Fall Banquet Draws Hundreds to Hear Conservative Perspectives

The Lyon County Republicans' annual fall banquet saw a large turnout, with around 350 attendees gathering to hear conservative reporter Liz Collin speak.

Collin discussed her 2023 documentary, The Fall of Minneapolis, expressing concerns over the media's portrayal of events following George Floyd’s death and the subsequent impact on Minnesota.

She also touched on the effects of riots and the challenges faced by law enforcement during that period.

State Sen. Gary Dahms and Rep. Chris Swedzinski also addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of voter participation in upcoming elections.

Upcoming Area Events

 🗓️ Have an event to add? Send us the details!

Thursday, September 12th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at 344 West Main Street in Cottonwood from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Friday, September 13th

  • Car Cinema: Road Less Traveled at the Marshall-Lyon County Library starting at 8:30 PM

Thursday, September 12th - Monday, September 16th
Saturday, September 14th

  • Squidfest in Granite Falls from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

    • 10:00 AM: 5k run/ walk

    • 10:30 AM: Kids Disc Golf at Rice Park

    • 12:00 PM: Registration for Steve Virnig Memorial Dis Golf Tournament- Tournament begins at 12:30 PM

    • 12:00 PM: Tricia and the Toonies ENVIROShow at Plaza on Prentice Street

    • 1:00 - 4:00 PM: Todd’s Garage opens, free art & educational activities, live music performances, circus art performance

    • 4:00 - 6:00 PM: Live music performance by the Squid City Slingers in the City Parking Lot

    • 4:00 - 8:00 PM: Rib Fest at the American Legion

    • All day: Vendors & food trucks

Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th

  • Picker’s Paradise Fall Show at the Red Baron Arena & Expo in Marshall

    • Saturday hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

    • Sunday hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday, September 19th

  • Thursdays on 3rd in Marshall from 5:30 - 7:30 PM

  • Prairie Jam at Schwan Regional Event Center on the Campus of Southwest Minnesota State University

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at the Minneota Farmers Market from 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Saturday, September 21st
Monday, September 23rd

  • Unveiling & Dedication of the VFW Memorial in Ivanhoe starting at 5:00 PM

    • Memorial Site is on S. Bruce Street & HWY 19

    • Bring your own chair

    • Meal of Hot Dogs will be served after the program

    • Rain Date: September 24th

Saturdays and Sundays starting September 21st - October 26th
Thursday, September 26th

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at Knudson-Bosley Park (HWY 14) from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Saturday, September 28th
Saturdays, starting July 6th - October
Wednesdays in September

  • Farmers Market in Granite Falls at the Riverwalk from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Wednesday, October 2nd (first Wednesday of every month)

  • Dementia Caregiver Support Group from 10:00 - 11:30 AM at Adult Community Center in Marshall

    • Open to everyone, come when you can, no cost or obligation to attend, refreshments available

    • For questions contact Jamie Lanners (507) 828-8891

Thursday, October 3rd

  • Democratic-Farmer-Labor Pop-Up Tent at 484 Craig Avenue on HWY 14 in Tracy from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Friday, October 4th

  • Granite Falls Home Companion Comedy Show at the American Legion st 7:30 PM, free admission

Saturday, October 5th
Monday, October 7th

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