Council OKs new REC Center restroom, $1 million in ARPA funds for Downtown garage

Nov. 13—St. Joseph's REC Center will see the construction of a new restroom in light of concerns from residents about the lack of an indoor facility for use outside of normal business hours.

Tuesday's City Council meeting saw council members authorize a $58,979 change order using American Rescue Plan Act funds to add a unisex restroom to serve the fitness room at the REC Center when the facility is in 24-hour operational mode.

The REC Center has provided all-hours access to its fitness center for years. However, there is no indoor bathroom access for those utilizing the gym after business hours, leading one resident to raise concerns with city management. The only option available at those times has been an outdoor portable toilet.

St. Joseph Parks, Recreation and Civic Facilities Director Chuck Kempf said the plan now is to meet with the contractor to determine a schedule for upcoming work on the restroom.

"We'll have to make arrangements. Construction of that restroom will create a little bit of a disruption, especially in the child care room. So we're going to have to work that out, make sure our patrons know that might not be available for a few days or even maybe even longer," Kempf said.

Councilmembers also signed off on a significant financial commitment for the Downtown Felix Street parking garage, authorizing $1 million in previously agreed ARPA funds to evaluate and rehabilitate the garage at Fourth and Felix streets. Of the five bids received, John Roher Contracting Company Inc. was awarded the bid for the design-build contract.

Funds for the project are part of a previously agreed upon the city and Mosaic Life Care to use $1.5 million in ARPA funds to rehabilitate and improve the two square-block area adjacent to the InspireU Children's Discovery Center at 521 Felix St. Funds already have been allocated for a variety of façade and structural improvement projects to date.

The project involves a comprehensive assessment of the garage's structural integrity. The findings, including test data and identified structural concerns, will be compiled into a report. Once those options are presented, city officials will make a selection of the options and those selections will be designed and engineered.

City to move forward with new Civic Center Park stairwell, balustrade removal

A key component in a series of improvement projects planned for Civic Center Park and City Hall was approved Tuesday as councilmembers gave the green light on the Civic Center Park West Entry Improvement Project.

The $494,000 ARPA-funded project with Auxier Construction Company will involve replacing the west entry stairs and removing the balustrade due to significant deterioration. During the work session in August, it was determined that the balustrade would be entirely removed rather than repaired or replaced, primarily due to costs being nearly double to repair it versus removing it.

"They're finishing up the design of that now, the way that will look, and then likely for the work itself, that will be bid out probably sometime this winter," Kempf said. "I suspect the physical work will begin sometime next spring."

The new stairs will feature concrete steps, complemented by natural stone veneer posts, caps, and wall panels. Additionally, the removal of the balustrade will necessitate grading and landscaping adjustments, as well as the replacement of sidewalks and curbs.

ARPA funds pave way for new fire truck, police academy tuition

The St. Joseph Fire Department will add a new rescue truck and a variety of new fire apparatus equipment as they look to upgrade their current fleet of rescue trucks.

Councilmembers authorized an ordinance to provide $280,000 in ARPA funds to purchase one rescue truck from Rosenbauer South Dakota, LLC, for $243,181, with remaining funds directed for additional fire equipment purchases.

The rescue truck currently in reserve use has over 100,000 miles, a rebuilt motor and is unreliable.

The following fire apparatus equipment will also be purchased:

* A Combo Tool Extrication Kit from Conrad Fire Equipment in the amount of $14,786.33.

* A Thermal Imager from Heiman in the amount of $7,350.00.

* Two radios from Motorola Solutions in the amount of $7,408.72 and $4,000.00 for installation.

* Hose from Heiman Fire Equipment in the amount of $3,273.95 that will be purchased following the City's normal procurement policy.

ARPA funds approved on Monday will also benefit the St. Joseph Police Department and it's Law Enforcement Academy at Missouri Western. Councilmembers approved a funding agreement with Missouri Western to provide $150,000 in financial assistance to modernize its Law Enforcement Academy and pay tuition and fees for cadets.

Other agenda items approved:

A purchase order in an amount not to exceed $291,195.51 with J.D. Bishop Construction, LLC for restoration work to four intersections receiving traffic signal upgrades utilizing ARPA funds.

* The four major intersections are located at 22nd and Frederick, Noyes and Frederick, St. Joseph Avenue & Grand Avenue and St. Joseph Avenue and Middleton. These intersections will be replaced with modern mast arm infrastructure. After the mast arm upgrades are complete, restoration of any damaged area or areas requiring updating will begin, including repair/replacement of the curbs and gutter, sidewalk, ADA corners, parkway areas and any damage done to the street during construction.

A contract in the amount of $117,516.78 and change order No. 1 in the amount of $251,003.80 with Brooner Construction & Crane for the City Hall 4th Floor and 1st Floor Conference Rooms Project.

* The original scope of work was to enlarge and remodel the 4th floor conference room 14 feet to the east including new A/V equipment and furniture. The ceiling will be replaced with acoustical ceiling tiles and the floor will be replaced with new carpet. Blackout shades will also be installed to remove glare during presentations. Due to bids coming in under budget, the 1st floor conference room was added with a similar scope excluding new furniture.