Council approves release of limited bid scope for convention center renovation

The city council voted to approve releasing a limited scope of work for the convention center renovation and annex project to be put out for bid. The scope identifies removal and relocation of select underground and above-ground utilities and removal and disposal of existing asphalt paving, concrete curb and gutter and sidewalks; the document specifies that no plants or trees inside the Laguna Madre Bird Sanctuary at Andy Buie Park will be relocated or removed.

Wendy Delgado, director of operations for the city, said the construction manager at risk (CMAR) — already hired as the contractor of record — will prepare and put the bid documents out: "So just to clarify, under the C Mar ... they're the ones that are gonna bid this out." Delgado added that the CMAR will return with a guaranteed partial price after Cameron County approval and that the city council would have an opportunity to vote on that price when it is presented.

Supporters described the agenda item as a step to develop the documents and gather cost estimates rather than to commence construction. The motion, moved by the presiding officer and seconded by a council member, passed after an oral vote; the transcript records only the Chair saying, "Motion carries," and does not include a roll-call tally.

The document presented to council was described repeatedly as conceptual and contingent on further architectural drawings and a site plan. Staff said the detailed drawings and exact dimensions will be produced by the architect and that the CMAR will use those to refine scope and pricing before any construction contract is executed.