City short of funds to finish Roundhouse renovation

Kayne Pyatt, Herald Reporter
Posted 10/30/18

10/23 city council meeting

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City short of funds to finish Roundhouse renovation

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EVANSTON — There were only two agenda items scheduled for the Evanston City Council work session on Oct. 23. The first item was an update on Evanston Cowboy Days and the much-needed repairs at the fairgrounds. Second was a discussion on construction on sections 2-4 of the Roundhouse. Mayor Kent Williams also asked to place a discussion regarding the North Star building on the agenda.

Williams and council members welcomed Tib Ottley, a new appointee to the city council, who is replacing Andy Kopp who resigned due to his moving to a new ward. At the Oct. 16, council meeting, council president Wendy Schuler appointed Ottley to fulfill Kopp’s term for the rest of the year. Ottley was sworn in with his family there to watch and celebrate. Ottley is running unopposed in Ward 2 and will be sworn in again in January 2019.  

Dustin Matthews, chair of the Evanston Cowboy Days committee, reported that a profit of nearly $5,000 was made this year and he thanked the city of Evanston and the county for their support. As for the concerns regarding the stock pens behind the bucking chutes, Matthews said he was happy that the meeting with the county commissioners, Evanston mayor, stock provider Cody Flitton and Lyle Johnson was very productive. He said the county commissioners are willing to work on the needed repairs. The Cowboy Days committee is currently in the process of getting diagrams and proposals for the repairs and will give that to the commissioners.  

As for the bleachers, Matthews said all the entities that use the site will need to come together to find a solution. They may need to hire an attorney to help with negotiations. The metal beams on the bleachers are weak and the wood is rotting so they are unsafe. The only bid they have received estimated a cost of $1 million to replace the existing bleachers.

Community Development Coordinator Mieke Madrid will research possible grants including the state consensus fund for help in funding the bleachers. Matthews reported that the commissioners have agreed to use the Cowboy Days committee’s $4,000 yearly use fee for this year and the next which will total $8,000 toward the cost of new bleachers.  

Local rancher Lyle Johnson volunteered to head up a committee made up of members from all the entities involved: city, county, fire department and others. 

“I felt that the tour of the rodeo grounds was beneficial and I was encouraged by the meeting with the commissioners,” Williams said. “Fixing the pens will not be that big a problem or too big a cost.”

Matthews continued by saying the PRCA did not formally give them a fine after understanding that the necessary repairs will be made. However, if things are not fixed, they could withdraw sanction to the rodeo.  

“I am confident that the PRCA will approve us for another year and we are already in the application process,” Matthews said. “The estimate from Cody, the stock producer, was that it could be around $20,000 to $30,000 to fix the pens and get new hinges.” 

Matthews said the lighting issue by the roping pens is an easy fix and the chutes are in good condition. They are getting bids on the new hinges and will give the city copies of all proposals.  

“I am feeling really good about the working relationship with all involved at this time,” Matthews concluded.

Evanston Director of Engineering and Planning Dean Barker reported on the two bids they had received for finishing sections 2, 3 and 4 of Roundhouse, including concrete and doors. With the lowest bid being $1,193,780, they would be $346,700 over budget. If they skip the demolition and pouring of a new concrete floor they would still be short by $100,000.

The concern with waiting to do the concrete until later is that demolition could damage the already completed work. When Williams inquired if the economic development account could assist, Evanston City Treasurer Trudy Lym said she will have figures ready for the next city council meeting. City Attorney Dennis Boal suggested they could reject the two bids and start over.  Another concern was that two donors have already given money toward new doors and the city does not want to lose that or alienate the donors by putting off the replacement of the doors.

“We have a lot to think about and decide on at the next meeting,” Mayor Williams said.

In regards to the North Star building, which the city owns, and rents to the Division of Clean Energy Cryogenics, Williams said the company had contacted him, asking for a rent reduction. They had asked if the current rental rate of $8,000 per month for their one-year lease could be reduced to $7,000 a month if they sign a two-year lease.

Williams said the corporation really wants to stay in Evanston but is experiencing an economic slump at this time. The company’s current lease is up in April of 2019 so the city has some time to consider the options. 

Councilman David Welling reminded the council of Evanston’s 150th birthday celebration on Nov. 10 in Depot Square. He asked if council members would volunteer to pour root beer and help out during the noon to 5 p.m. celebration. Movies will be shown at the Strand starting at 5:30 p.m. Another upcoming activity will be the Nov. 29 light parade with a tree lighting ceremony.