Bids sought for new Fountain Square Park stage

The Red Oak Park and Tree Board is prepping to proceed with new bids for the Fountain Square Park stage.
At its meeting April 14, Park superintendent Adam VanDerVliet said a prior bid letting was held for the project, but the bids ended up being rejected due to the low bid coming in at more than $300,000. VanDerVliet added the high bid was due, in part, because the project was calling for a four foot high stage.
“With the stage that high, we would have had to install a railing around it, so we’ve dropped the size of the stage to 30 inches to allow us to do away with the need for a railing,” VanDerVliet said.
The new bidletting was going to be offered through Snyder & Associates, at a cost of $8,750.  Park Board Chairman Bill Drey said the lowering of the stage height was expected to drop costs considerably.
“City administrator Brad Wright said he anticipates the project will drop to under $200,000, but I’d settle for the project dropping by $70,000 or $80,000. We can also leave the old stage there, cover it with sand, and cover it with the new stage, which will save about $10,000,” commented Drey.
Drey said the board needed to approve a supplemental agreement that would authorize new bids to be sought for the project. The board approved the supplemental agreement.
The board also reviewed a proposed concession stand lease. VanDerVliet said a letter of intent would be publicized to attract interested parties.
“They can come to city hall and fill out the letter of intent if they want to run the concession stand at the pool. We’ve already had one group call us with interest in running the concession stand, so they will be considered now that we’re taking this letter of intent public,” said VanDerVliet.
VanDerVliet added the interested party does have the Iowa Food Safety certification required to run the concession stand. Having that certifiction would be a requirement for anyone wishing to lease the concession stand.
In other business, the board:
• Approved a request from Red Oak Scout Pack 80, Group 86G and 86B to have a year end BBQ and membership night, from 5 to 8 p.m. May 31, at Legion Park.
• Approved a special request for beer/wine in Chautauqua Park from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 26 for the Bradley/Weber family reunion.
• Approved the Montgomery County Family YMCA request for use of the sports complex and Kelly Park for sporting events throughout the season.