East Point council approves $517,094 Cooper Carry change order for multigenerational rec center design

Councilwoman Caprice Hemming moved and the council approved a $517,094 change order to the design contract for East Point’s proposed multigenerational recreation center after a schematic design presentation and questions about budget, site constraints and program priorities.

City Manager Jones and the project design lead from Cooper Carry presented the revised schematic design and site analysis, explaining buildable area was limited by an on‑site creek, a floodplain, and a gas‑line easement. The design team described a three‑hub concept with six indoor courts (arranged as multiple hubs), multipurpose rooms, STEM classrooms, sensory and inclusive spaces, indoor running track and outdoor fields. The presenter said the consultant fee increase reflected a higher construction estimate; the team described a construction-cost estimate that had materially increased from earlier planning and noted an approximately $11 million increase in the project cost scope. Cooper Carry requested the $517,094 fee change tied to their percentage‑of‑construction compensation schedule.

Council members pressed staff on funding and schedule. City Manager Jones said the city’s financial advisor has estimated general bond capacity in a range “around $70 million” for major projects and outlined tools that could be considered, including bonds, public‑private partnerships and leveraging hotel/motel revenue. Jones said he and finance staff would document where the additional dollars would come from and return with specifics. On reserves, Jones said total reserves include restricted and unrestricted components and estimated “upward of $45,000,000” in total reserves across funds, with a portion restricted by enterprise requirements.

Several members raised program priorities. Councilmembers asked whether an Olympic‑sized pool could be accommodated on the chosen site; the design team said an Olympic pool would not fit the current site and that staff were exploring other city properties for a pool. Council members also asked about parking and the possibility of shared parking with the adjacent Georgia Soccer Park, pedestrian bridges/walking trails across the creek, and space for concessions and small businesses in the facility.

Councilwoman Hemming made the motion to approve the change order “to support the new scope as presented by Cooper Carry this evening,” which Councilman Atkins seconded. The mayor called the vote; the motion passed.

The council asked staff to return with more detailed funding scenarios and a refined schedule to move schematic design to final documents and to include cost estimates for optional items such as a pedestrian bridge, trail elements, and public art. The city manager said staff would also report back on procurement options for constructing an off‑site pool if the council wishes to prioritize that amenity.

The approved change order authorizes the consultant fee increase to continue schematic design work and to engage necessary consultants to complete the next design phases; the council did not vote to award construction contracts at this meeting.