Branch Connection renovation moves forward; Phase 1 will be funded with CIP, Phase 2 proposed for May bond

City staff updated the Parks & Recreation Board on the Branch Connection renovation, explaining how the work will be sequenced and funded.

Staff said Phase 1 of the renovation — which covers the craft room, lobby, a new billiard area and library — received competitive bids and that the bid they intend to use from Ruddock came in just under $2.7 million. The city has approximately $2.1 million allocated for the work, leaving an estimated shortfall of about $600,000; staff told the board they plan to use available capital improvement (CIP) funds to cover that gap for Phase 1 so that work can begin.

Phase 2, which would include bathrooms, kitchen, the ballroom and final furniture/fixtures, was described as slated for inclusion in a bond package scheduled for voter consideration in May. Staff said the city has held bond town halls and that voters will be able to vote for or against individual projects (Squire Park and Branch Connection Phase 2 were both discussed as separate items). Staff reported one bond town hall drew roughly 100 in‑person attendees plus several dozen online viewers.

Board members asked how projects were prioritized; staff said Squire Park was identified for bond funding because public use at events showed high demand and a community desire for amenities such as a splash pad, while acknowledging neighbors’ concerns about potential street‑parking changes and tree removal. Staff emphasized that construction timetables are multiyear and that Phase 1 mobilization is scheduled to begin with demolition on Feb. 12, with an approximate eight‑month timeline for Phase 1 only.

No formal board vote was taken on funding; staff said they will provide further updates and noted that Phase 1 will proceed while Phase 2 funding is resolved in the bond process.