The city council approved projects to be constructed at The Bosque downtown on the bank of the Concho River yesterday, despite some hesitation.
Mid-Tex of Midland, Inc. will be heading the concessions area construction project, as they were the only company to submit a formal bid. Harris Miniature Golf Courses, Inc. is slated to take on the putt-putt construction project, as the council moved to approve negotiations.
The rooftop from the concessions stand will be extended to act as an awning for a shaded seating area. In addition, there will be a parking area for mobile food vendors to park and plug into outdoor electrical outlets. The project cost is $371,264. This cost is inclusive of the installation of all sewer, water and electrical utilities.
“It’s the last half of The Bosque area that is waiting to be developed and utilized," said David Knapp, City Construction Manager. "I think the concession building is a key component to getting things going.”
At yesterday's meeting, there were concerns from the council about the cost, and the amount of time already invested in developing the idea.
“As far as I’m concerned we throw these (plans) in the back garbage can as we leave and do something else. To spend this kind of money for what we are getting is crazy”, said Councilman Don Vardeman. “I just can’t believe we can’t get it done any cheaper, and if we can’t get it done cheaper than that, then I don’t know that we need it.”
“I’m feeling crazy,” said Councilwoman Elizabeth Grindstaff. “For the sake of discussion, I will make a motion to award the bid.”
“And I’m going to second her motion,” Councilwoman Charlotte Farmer spoke up. “The amount of money that has been spent to develop the area down there, [and considering] the number of years the staff has spent working and the contracting,” she continued. “For what we have moved toward and where we’re going, I’m gonna be with her, I guess. Call me crazy if that’s the way the rest of them want to look at it, but I just don’t see how we can stop now and put off the progress that’s been going forward.”
Mayor Dwain Morrison called for a vote. The motion passed four to three.
According to Knapp, the idea is to have both the concessions and miniature golf course ready at the same time with the estimated completion date end of May/June. The miniture golf course itself will be up for City Council approval at the March 3 meeting.
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PermalinkThis is another example of idiocy run amok! What this city needs is something that will provide jobs for young people and bring in tourist money. Something that will, maybe, utilize our river which is a great asset to San Angelo. Something like, maybe, a WATER PARK! There is no good reason not to look into a water park for San Angelo. Even Pampa, Texas has a freakin' water park and they don't even have a river and are much smaller than San Angleo. The teenagers would have summer jobs. People would come from West Texas and beyone. I can't understand why we have the boondoggle of a "Visitor's Center" that no one cares about, but we spent mega money on and now, we are creating another boondoggle. Miniature golf will not last. They have never lasted.
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